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Hyperparathyroidism - Treatment

Treatment:

Treatment depends upon the severity and cause of the condition. If you have mildly increased calcium levels due to primary hyperparathyroidism and no symptoms, you may just need regular checkups with your doctor.

If symptoms are present or your calcium level is very high, surgery may be needed to remove the parathyroid gland that is overproducing the hormone.

Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism depends on the underlying cause.

For specific treatment information see:

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the specific type of hyperparathyroidism.

Complications:

Complications may include:

Increased risk of fractures
Urinary tract infection due to kidney stones and blockage
Peptic ulcer disease
Pancreatitis
Pseudogout

Surgery for hyperparathyroidism may lead to low blood calcium levels, which causes tingling and muscle twitching. This requires immediate treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.

Parathyroid glands

Reviewed last on: 8/31/2010
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Kronenberg HM, Schlomo M, Polansky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap. 266.

Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Schlomo M, Polansky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap. 27.

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