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.