Remedies For Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or several of the four parathyroid glands become overactive. They then secrete an excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to a rise in the blood's calcium levels, causing a condition called hypercalcemia. The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid gland. Their job is to secrete PTH to control the body's phosphorous and calcium levels. With primary hyperparathyroidism, the glands spontaneously create excessive parathyroid hormone, leading to a rise in calcium levels. With secondary hyperparathyroidism, the overactivity occurs because another medical condition is causing the calcium levels to lower, and the body is trying to correct the imbalance. This is sometimes seen with kidney failure.

Surgical Intervention

In moderate to severe cases of hyperparathyroidism, the most commonly employed treatment is surgical intervention. About ninety-five percent of hyperparathyroidism patients who have surgery are subsequently cured. The surgery removes the overactive gland(s). Rather than removing all four glands, the surgeon only removes glands that are enlarged or have an adenoma. In cases where all four glands are overactive, the most likely option is to remove three of the glands and a portion of the fourth, so the patient is left with at least a bit of functional parathyroid tissue.

Sometimes, surgery can be completed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return home the same day. These surgeries are performed through extremely small incisions in the neck, and the patient only needs local anesthetics. Complications are uncommon, though possible risks are long-term low calcium levels that require vitamin D supplements, and damage to the nerves that control the vocal cords.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hyperparathyroidism most commonly affects post-menopausal women. When a woman has gone through menopause and is showing signs of osteoporosis, doctors may recommend hormone replacement therapy to help the bones retain calcium. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become more brittle and fragile, and it can be exacerbated by a lack of calcium.

While hormone replacement therapy doesn't address the actual parathyroid gland problem, it does address the calcium issues. Prolonged hormone replacement therapy, it is crucial to note, comes with many risks, including an increase in the chances of developing blood clots and breast cancer. The most common side effects include headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, and pain in the breasts.

Monitor Dietary Calcium And Vitamin D

If the patient's calcium levels show only a slight elevation, the kidneys are functioning normally, there aren't any kidney stones, the patient's bone density is normal or almost-normal, and there are no other symptoms, doctors might recommend monitoring hyperparathyroidism without treating it in other ways. Patients who monitor their condition will need to have periodic tests to monitor their bone density and blood calcium.

Patients should pay attention to the vitamin D and calcium in their diet. Medical professionals recommend consuming the daily recommended amount of calcium to encourage the parathyroid glands to stop secreting excess parathyroid hormone. Adults from nineteen to fifty years old and men from fifty-one to seventy years old are recommended one thousand milligrams a day, while women over fifty and men over seventy-one are recommended to get 1,200 milligrams a day. Individuals should talk to their doctor about what dietary approach is best for their needs.

Get Regular Exercise

It's important for individuals to get regular exercise to help maintain bone strength, especially for those dealing with hyperparathyroidism. Regular exercise should include at least a half hour of activity at least three times a week, with more sessions when individuals are able. It helps to have a strength training regimen to encourage bone health and protect the bones as much as possible. In some instances, hyperparathyroidism patients will want to avoid high-impact exercises, as this could result in more bone pain and cause repetitive strain on the bones.

The three main types of exercise doctors often cite when their patient is dealing with hyperparathyroidism are weight-bearing training, flexibility, and resistance. Weight-bearing exercises include hiking, stair climbing, dancing, and walking. Resistance exercises include any water exercises, free weights, or adjustable weight machines in the gym. Flexibility exercises include regular stretches, yoga, and tai chi. Of course, all hyperparathyroidism patients should discuss what exercises are right for them with their doctors.

Avoid Medications That Can Raise Calcium

Hyperparathyroidism patients should avoid medications that can raise calcium, as these may contribute to the already-high calcium levels in their blood. While researchers don't recommend restricting dietary calcium intake, they do recommend avoiding calcium-increasing medications. Lithium and certain diuretics can raise calcium levels. If an individual with hyperparathyroidism is on any of these medications, they should talk to their doctor about whether it's a good idea to switch to a different medication.

There is one drug, cinacalcet, that's been approved by the FDA to treat hyperparathyroidism related to parathyroid cancer or chronic kidney disease. It works by mimicking calcium, which sometimes tricks the parathyroid glands into producing less parathyroid hormone. Some doctors may also prescribe it to treat primary hyperparathyroidism when surgery is unsuccessful or the patient isn't a good surgical candidate.