Hyperparathyroidism presents unique challenges during pregnancy that can impact the lives and health of a mother and baby. Fortunately, the incidence of hyperparathyroidism in pregnant women is relatively small, affecting less than one percent of the entire population. However, as women are having babies later in life, the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy could rise since the condition tends to strike older women. Hyperparathyroidism may lead to dangerous complications both during pregnancy and after the baby is born. When it does occur, expert care is critical to ensure b ..read more

Because the symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are often similar to symptoms of a host of other medical conditions, PHPT may go undiagnosed. To help address this issue, the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) developed a series of guidelines to aid in diagnosing PHPT. The NICE 2019 Guidelines exist to aid medical providers in diagnosing & treating primary hyperparathyroidism. The NICE Guidelines can also help people struggling with symptoms of PHPT, along with families or caregivers of these individuals, determine what steps are needed to g ..read more

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) can cause a few symptoms that also happen in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). But, there are many differences between the two medical conditions. A medical evaluation is key for those who display symptoms of FHH and/or PHPT. After getting an evaluation, people can find out if either of these conditions are causing their symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. What Is Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia? FHH is an inherited disorder that causes the blood calcium level to rise. It can also cause low to moderate levels of calcium in urine. There ..read more

Low or high blood calcium levels must be evaluated carefully during testing for hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Here are key factors that can impact the results of a parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test. 1. Time of Day Research indicates PTH levels can start to rise after 6:00 p.m., reach their peak levels between 2:00 a.m., and fall to their baseline values. PTH levels can then again peak around 6 a.m., decline to baseline at 8:00 a.m. and then again peak at about 10:00 a.m. Morning represents the best time to accurately measure calcium in the blood. This can increase the likelihood of getting acc ..read more

In addition to affecting a patient’s physical health, parathyroid disease can have far-flung effects on mental wellbeing. The good news is, with proper testing and diagnosis, a patient can treat both the physical and mental health effects of hyperparathyroidism (HPT). What Mental Health Problems Can HPT Lead To? HPT occurs when one or more parathyroid glands produce an excess amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the body is unable to manage its calcium level. Over time, calcium in the body will exceed normal levels, affecting the performance of the nervous system. As a result, people can e ..read more

A sestamibi scan is used to evaluate the function of the parathyroid glands; these four glands are located in the neck and help manage the body’s calcium levels. To better understand the impact of a sestamibi scan, let’s examine this parathyroid gland assessment in detail. What Is a Sestamibi Scan? A sestamibi scan was introduced in the 1990’s, and today, is used in hospitals around the world to help a doctor identify diseased parathyroid glands.With a sestamibi scan, a radioactive agent is injected into a patient’s veins. The radioactive agent is then absorbed by an overactive parathyroid gla ..read more

Sometimes there is a direct correlation between hyperparathyroidism and weight gain or weight loss. To better understand this correlation, let’s examine the impact of weight on hyperparathyroidism.   Can Weight Gain Contribute to Hyperparathyroidism?   People dealing with hyperparathyroidism often display no visible symptoms. However, hyperparathyroidism has been linked to increased risk of a variety of medical conditions, including: Hypertension: Occurs due to high blood pressure that forces an excess amount of blood to push against artery walls; people dealing with hypertension g ..read more

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and hyperthyroidism  sound similar, but there are many differences between these medical conditions. To better understand HPT and hyperthyroidism, let’s examine both conditions in detail. What Is Hyperparathyroidism? HPT affects one or more of the parathyroid glands, which help the body manage its calcium levels. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium in the blood. If a person is dealing with HPT, the parathyroid glands produce excess amounts of PTH; this causes calcium levels in the blood to rise and can result in mild ..read more

A parathyroid localization scan can be used to identify a defective parathyroid gland. The scan can play a vital role in the planning and surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism (HPT).   Localization studies are purely used for locating the abnormal gland or glands, and not to diagnose hyperparathyroidism. What Is a Parathyroid Gland Scan? Localization scans can help identify an abnormal parathyroid gland. The scans can be completed as part of an HPT work up.  When a parathyroid gland becomes abnormal it starts to produce excess amounts of PTH, it essentially turns into a PTH ..read more

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) can present itself in many ways. Common symptoms of HPT include bone fractures, gastrointestinal issues, and brain fog. HPT patients can experience skin problems, too. Hyperparathyroidism and Itchy Skin: Here’s What You Need to Know HPT has been linked to vitamin D deficiency. The exact correlation between HPT and a vitamin D deficiency remains unclear. But vitamin D deficiencymay be considered a compensatory mechanism that the body uses to reduce the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that boosts intestinal absorption of calcium ..read more