Hyperparathyroidism is a disease that causes overproduction of the hormone PTH, released by the parathyroid glands, located in the neck behind the thyroid.
The PTH hormone helps maintain calcium levels in the blood and, for this, its main effects include the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys, greater absorption of calcium from food in the gut, as well as the elimination of calcium stored in the bones to release it.in the bloodstream.
Hyperparathyroidism can occur in three ways
When identified, hyperparathyroidism should be treated quickly, as it can have negative consequences, such as weakening of the bones, increasing the risk of fractures. In addition, excess calcium in the blood can also cause changes in muscle function, kidney stones, increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
This disease is curable when surgery is performed to remove the gland, however, before that, remedies that can be used to control symptoms may be indicated.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms in cases of hyperparathyroidism include:
Hyperparathyroidism does not always produce symptoms, especially in the early stages, so it is common for hyperparathyroidism to be identified in routine blood tests, which show changes in blood calcium levels.
Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is made by measuring the hormone PTH, which is increased in all types of diseases. The endocrinologist will then order more tests that will help identify the cause of the problem, such as the calcium dose, which is high in primary hyperparathyroidism and reduced in the secondary, as well as tests such as calcium and phosphorus in urine, for example.
X-ray exams can also help identify the disease by highlighting bones with demineralization and osteoporosis. In more advanced cases, this test may show the formation of excavations and the proliferation of tissues and vessels in the bones, which is called a “brown tumor”.
In addition, examinations of images of the neck region, such as ultrasounds, scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, can help identify changes in the parathyroid glands.
The first step in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism is the correction of calcium levels that, if they are very modified, may be the main cause of symptoms, for this there are several options, including hormonal replacement, made especially in postmenopausal women, because the replacement of certain hormones helps to maintain the level of calcium in the bones.Bisphosphonate medications also help increase calcium deposition in bones, thereby decreasing free calcium in the blood.Learn about the other causes of excess calcium in your blood and how to treat it.
Surgery may also be indicated for primary hyperparathyroidism, as it removes the affected glands and cures the disease.However, it carries certain risks, such as damage to the nerves that control the vocal cords or a marked decrease in calcium levels.
In case of secondary hyperparathyroidism, it is necessary to make the correct monitoring and treatment of renal failure, the replacement of vitamin D and calcium levels, which are reduced. Calcimimetic remedies have a similar effect to calcium, so the glands produce fewer hormones. An example of these remedies is cinacalcete.