What Are Parathyroid Disorders?
Parathyroid conditions are disorders that affect the four small glands in or around your thyroid gland. They release parathyroid hormone (PTH) – a hormone that controls your body’s ability to regulate calcium and phosphorus. If this hormone is too low or too high, it can lead to other health problems such as muscle cramps and nerve or bone disorders.
Your parathyroid and thyroid glands have similar names but different roles.
Types
Types of parathyroid conditions include:
- Hyperparathyroidism – Too much PTH in your blood, which can cause your calcium levels to rise and lead to bone and organ damage
- Hypoparathyroidism – Not enough PTH into your blood, which can lead to low calcium and high phosphorous
- Hypercalcemia – Too much calcium in your blood, which can lead to a hypercalcemic crisis, causing organ failure, coma or death
- Hypocalcemia – Too little calcium in your blood which can lead to seizures or tetany (severe muscle spasms).
Causes
Causes of parathyroid disorders can include:
- Benign (noncancerous) tumor
- Enlarged parathyroid glands
- Kidney disorders
- Cancer (rare)
- A disorder or injury to glands
- Endocrine disorders
- Genetic conditions
- Dietary habits or supplements, including lack of vitamin D
- Certain medications
- Infections
Symptoms
You may not have symptoms of certain parathyroid conditions or mineral imbalances. Most people’s parathyroid conditions are diagnosed through routine blood testing or screening for osteoporosis. Symptoms of parathyroid conditions can include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Twitching and spasms in your hands, feet, arms or face
- Weakened bones
- Abdominal pain and kidney stones
- Mood disturbances
- Coma or seizure (severe hypercalcemia)
Treatment Options
To evaluate and diagnose a parathyroid condition, your doctor may perform certain tests, such as a PTH test for phosphate levels. Other testing may involve blood and urine samples and imaging scans to check for abnormalities.
Treatment for parathyroid conditions focuses on restoring the balance of calcium and phosphorous in your blood. This may include medication and diet and lifestyle changes. If you have a tumor, your doctor may discuss minimally invasive procedures or other surgical options.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of a parathyroid disorder, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat parathyroid disorders.