Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and release (secrete) too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes the levels of calcium in your blood to rise, a condition known as hypercalcemia.

What is a parathyroid?

The parathyroid glands lie just behind the thyroid glands in the neck. The parathyroid glands (light pink) produce parathyroid hormone, which increases levels of calcium in the blood. The parathyroid glands are small pea-sized glands located in the neck just behind the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland.

What causes hypoparathyroidism?

What causes hypoparathyroidism? The most common cause is injury to or removal of all 4 parathyroid glands. That can accidentally happen during surgery to remove the thyroid. Some people are born without these glands.

What happens when you have hypoparathyroidism?

The symptoms of hypoparathyroidism occur due to low levels of calcium in the blood. The severity of the condition can range from mild symptoms such as a tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes or around the lips (paresthesias) to severe muscle cramps and muscle spasms.

What is the treatment for parathyroid?

Treatment options for the parathyroid disease include monitoring, medication, dietary supplements, and surgery. Surgery is the most effective option to treat the disease. It involves removing overactive parathyroid glands and can be performed either in a minimally invasive way or by a standard neck exploration.

Who is at risk for hypoparathyroidism?

The risk factors for hypoparathyroidism include recent thyroid or neck surgery, a family history of parathyroid disorder, or certain autoimmune endocrine diseases such as Addison’s disease.

What is the treatment for hypoparathyroidism?

Currently, the standard treatment for hypoparathyroidism consists of activated vitamin D (calcitriol) and calcium supplements. Some people may also need magnesium supplementation.