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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperparathyroidism?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Question: What are the absolute signs, symptoms, and labs values that you would need in order to confirm a (currently suspected) diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism? Disregard some of the things in my "medical history" column - it was for a previous question posed to a Psychiatrist. Again, then depression has been unrelenting and I've never been unresponsive to medication until these past couple of years when all other strange symptoms began. Bones breaking, (with no significant trauma to cause it),Chronic bone pain, low bone density, weight loss without trying, psychotic episodes, hair loss, high/normal calcium in blood, HIGH ionized calcium, yet it's inconsistent each test, PTH high/normal, BUT I've been unknowingly taking high doses of Biotin in my daily vitamin pack for at least 2 years, which will falsely depress one's PTH levels! So now what? I'm convinced this is the root cause of my problem, but Doc wants to take the "wait and see" approach. I don't have anymore time to wait and see - I've been getting more and more sick. I'm desperate for answers and some relief to this depression that will not remit.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hyperparathyroidism

Detailed Answer:
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands in your neck . These glands make a hormone that helps control the amount of calcium in the blood. This hormone is called "parathyroid hormone," or "PTH."

Hyperparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands make too much PTH. This causes too much calcium to build up in your blood. Primary hyperparathyroidism, the most common form of hyperparathyroidism, can happen when one or more of the glands get bigger than they should, or when a gland develops an abnormal growth. Cancer is another possible cause of hyperparathyroidism, but this is very rare.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism — Most people with this condition have no symptoms. But some people do have symptoms that might be related to having more calcium in their blood than normal. These symptoms include:

●Pain in the joints
●Feeling tired or weak
●Loss of appetite
●Feeling depressed
●Trouble concentrating
If your PTH and blood calcium levels get very high, you might get constipated, feel very thirsty, or urinate more often than usual. Some people have more serious symptoms, such as:

●Problems with how the kidneys work
●Kidney stones
●Weak bones
●Gout (a kind of arthritis) or other problems in the joints
●Chemical imbalances in the blood
"Parathyroid crisis" is a rare but serious problem. It can happen if you have hyperparathyroidism and get sick with something that causes you to lose fluids (like vomiting or diarrhea). This causes the amounts of PTH and calcium in the blood to go up suddenly. If this happens, you might have belly pain, nausea, and sometimes problems thinking clearly and staying alert. It is important to see a doctor or nurse right away if you have hyperparathyroidism plus lasting vomiting or diarrhea, and can't keep fluids down.

Regarding lab tests for hyperparathyroidism — A doctor can tell if you have hyperparathyroidism by measuring the levels of PTH and calcium in your blood. Many people with hyperparathyroidism do not notice any symptoms. The condition is often found when a doctor or nurse does a blood test for some other reason.

If you have hyperparathyroidism, your doctor or nurse might do other tests, too. You will probably get a special kind of X-ray to see if your bones are weaker than normal. Plus, you might get checked for kidney stones.

Is there anything you can do on your own to help your condition? — Yes. Even if you do not have any symptoms, there are things you can do to help prevent problems:

●Drink plenty of liquids, and try not to get dehydrated. This can help to prevent kidney stones.
●Stay active. This can help keep your calcium levels normal and your bones healthy.
●Try to get about 1000 milligrams of calcium each day. Ask your doctor how much calcium is in certain foods and vitamin supplements . It is better to get your calcium from foods and drinks rather than supplements. But if you aren't getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, you might need a supplement. Your doctor will let you know.
●Try to get about 400 to 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day . Not having enough vitamin D can weaken your bones.
●Do not take certain medicines that can affect the amount of calcium in the blood. Your doctor or nurse can tell you which medicines to avoid. Examples include HCTZ and lithium.
Even if you feel healthy, your doctor or nurse should still check your blood calcium every 6 months. He or she will also do regular tests to check your kidneys and bones. (People whose bones are weakened because of their condition can get medicines to help protect their bones.)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (13 hours later)
Thank you for your prompt response! I suspect this as well, and will ask to be referred to surgical to an evaluation. I am confused about something: My Endo wants me to stay away from Calcium supplementation, and only add Vit D. The constipation has been bad my whole life, but worse if I have anything with calcium. So my question is this: Will adding extra calcium to my diet then trigger my Parathyroid to STOP pulling the calcium from my bones? Or will it worsen my condition?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
How much of the following do you consume on a daily basis:

butter
milk
cheese
yogurt
ice cream
cottage cheese

I need to know this to estimate your daily calcium intake in diet before I am able to answer your question
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperparathyroidism?

Brief Answer: Hyperparathyroidism Detailed Answer: Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands in your neck . These glands make a hormone that helps control the amount of calcium in the blood. This hormone is called "parathyroid hormone," or "PTH." Hyperparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands make too much PTH. This causes too much calcium to build up in your blood. Primary hyperparathyroidism, the most common form of hyperparathyroidism, can happen when one or more of the glands get bigger than they should, or when a gland develops an abnormal growth. Cancer is another possible cause of hyperparathyroidism, but this is very rare. Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism — Most people with this condition have no symptoms. But some people do have symptoms that might be related to having more calcium in their blood than normal. These symptoms include: ●Pain in the joints ●Feeling tired or weak ●Loss of appetite ●Feeling depressed ●Trouble concentrating If your PTH and blood calcium levels get very high, you might get constipated, feel very thirsty, or urinate more often than usual. Some people have more serious symptoms, such as: ●Problems with how the kidneys work ●Kidney stones ●Weak bones ●Gout (a kind of arthritis) or other problems in the joints ●Chemical imbalances in the blood "Parathyroid crisis" is a rare but serious problem. It can happen if you have hyperparathyroidism and get sick with something that causes you to lose fluids (like vomiting or diarrhea). This causes the amounts of PTH and calcium in the blood to go up suddenly. If this happens, you might have belly pain, nausea, and sometimes problems thinking clearly and staying alert. It is important to see a doctor or nurse right away if you have hyperparathyroidism plus lasting vomiting or diarrhea, and can't keep fluids down. Regarding lab tests for hyperparathyroidism — A doctor can tell if you have hyperparathyroidism by measuring the levels of PTH and calcium in your blood. Many people with hyperparathyroidism do not notice any symptoms. The condition is often found when a doctor or nurse does a blood test for some other reason. If you have hyperparathyroidism, your doctor or nurse might do other tests, too. You will probably get a special kind of X-ray to see if your bones are weaker than normal. Plus, you might get checked for kidney stones. Is there anything you can do on your own to help your condition? — Yes. Even if you do not have any symptoms, there are things you can do to help prevent problems: ●Drink plenty of liquids, and try not to get dehydrated. This can help to prevent kidney stones. ●Stay active. This can help keep your calcium levels normal and your bones healthy. ●Try to get about 1000 milligrams of calcium each day. Ask your doctor how much calcium is in certain foods and vitamin supplements . It is better to get your calcium from foods and drinks rather than supplements. But if you aren't getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, you might need a supplement. Your doctor will let you know. ●Try to get about 400 to 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day . Not having enough vitamin D can weaken your bones. ●Do not take certain medicines that can affect the amount of calcium in the blood. Your doctor or nurse can tell you which medicines to avoid. Examples include HCTZ and lithium. Even if you feel healthy, your doctor or nurse should still check your blood calcium every 6 months. He or she will also do regular tests to check your kidneys and bones. (People whose bones are weakened because of their condition can get medicines to help protect their bones.)