There are many health problems that people need to be aware of as they get older, and hyperparathyroidism is one of them. In particular, women between the ages of 30 and 60 should be on the lookout for signs of hyperparathyroidism. Before patients can understand the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism to pay attention, it helps to know what hyperparathyroidism is and what the risks are.
What is hyperparathyroidism? Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one of the four parathyroid glands in the neck becomes overactive. This causes the gland, or sometimes multiple glands, to produce too much parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps regulate calcium levels in the body. Although calcium is best known for its role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, the mineral also helps the body maintain healthy muscles, regulate heart rate, support nerve function, and -helps blood clotting. To help prevent blood calcium levels from falling too low, parathyroid hormone releases calcium from the bones into the blood, stimulates calcium absorption, and helps the kidneys capture and reabsorb calcium. into the blood rather than out of the urine.
If the parathyroid gland is underactive and produces too much PTH, it means too much calcium is being released from the bones. There are three types of hyperparathyroidism.
Primary HPT: A non-cancerous tumor (adenoma) grows in one or more of the parathyroid glands in the neck, causing an excess of PTH. Secondary HPT: A disease other than the parathyroid gland, such as kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency, causes the four parathyroid glands to enlarge.
Triple HPT: This type of HPT occurs when secondary HPT persists even after a kidney transplant or dialysis. Without treatment, hyperparathyroidism can cause many problems, including osteoporosis and kidney stones.
Complications of untreated hyperparathyroidism
Calcium is important to help build healthy bones. However, an increase in PTH means that calcium is constantly being drawn to the bones. This weakens them and can lead to weakness, fractures and osteoporosis. An increase in calcium in the blood can also cause the urine to carry too much calcium, leading to kidney stones - small, hard calcium deposits in the kidneys that must pass through the urinary tract to be eliminated from the body. This often causes severe pain. If the stone is large enough to pass through the urinary tract, medical help will be needed to break up the stone so it can pass through the body.
Although these are the main risks of untreated hyperparathyroidism, other problems can occur. Hyperparathyroidism has been linked to heart disease. Although primary hyperparathyroidism is not common in pregnant women, untreated primary hyperparathyroidism in the mother can lead to low calcium levels in newborns. Understanding the causes and risk factors for this condition can help a person determine if they may be at risk for developing the condition.
Risk factors and causes of hyperparathyroidism
Women in general, and especially women between the ages of 50 and 60, are at risk of developing hyperparathyroidism. Although hyperparathyroidism can develop in menstruating women, it is rare. Men can also have hyperparathyroidism. Anyone who has had radiation therapy or other cancer treatments targeted to the neck area is also at risk of developing hyperparathyroidism, as are those taking medications that can alter calcium levels. If hyperparathyroidism runs in a person's family, the person may develop the condition due to heredity. As a risk factor for hyperparathyroidism, the causes of HPT can vary. In primary hyperparathyroidism, the causes may include:
Parathyroid adenoma, which is a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland
Hyperplasia or enlargement of all four parathyroid glands
Cancer of the parathyroid gland, which is rare
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is usually caused by severe calcium deficiency, severe vitamin D deficiency, or chronic renal failure. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the HPT is prolonged, especially if the HPT is negative and the patient has kidney failure after treatment for kidney failure.
The 8 most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is known for its vague symptoms. People with the condition may complain of depression and joint pain only for the provider to ignore symptoms such as stress or aging. However, a blood test to measure PTH and calcium must be done if a person has one or more of the symptoms below. The 8 most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are
Kidney stones
Abdominal pain
Bone and joint pain
Needs have increased as summer
Get bored easily
feel weak
The depression
Nausea and vomiting