Types of Parathyroid Disorders
Parathyroid disorders (also known as parathyroid disease) are endocrine disorders that affect your hormones. Your hormones manage many body processes such as your metabolism, your development, and your sexual function.
There are two main types of parathyroid disorders:
- Hyperparathyroidism—Overactive parathyroid glands that can cause bone thinning or kidney stones
- Primary—Occurs when one or more of your parathyroid glands enlarge, which causes high blood calcium
- Secondary—Occurs when you have low blood calcium due to other diseases, and all your parathyroid glands must overwork to maintain normal levels of blood calcium.
- Hypoparathyroidism—Underactive parathyroid glands that can cause low blood calcium
Where Is the Parathyroid Gland Located?
Your parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located at the four corners of your thyroid gland. They are about the size of a pea and produce hormones to regulate your calcium levels.
Parathyroid Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms if you have hyperparathyroidism:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bone and joint pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression or poor concentration
- Kidney stones
- Fractures
Some people have no symptoms.
If you have hypoparathyroidism, you may have some of these symptoms due to low calcium:
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms, aches, or cramps
- Tingling or burning in your lips, fingertips, or toes
When to See an Endocrinologist
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider if you notice symptoms of a parathyroid problem. Your primary care provider will evaluate you with blood tests to find the cause of your symptoms. They may treat you or refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in endocrine disorders.
Find an Endocrinology Specialist
Parathyroid Tests for Diagnosis
Your endocrinologist will use several tests to diagnose a parathyroid disorder:
- Blood tests—Your endocrinologist may order blood tests that check your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.
- Parathyroid localization scan—You may have a neck ultrasound, nuclear medicine scan, or a 4D CT scan of your neck to determine which parathyroid glands are enlarged.
What Causes Parathyroid Disease?
There are several causes of parathyroid disorders:
- Overactivity of one more parathyroid gland
- Low calcium intake or absorption
- Low vitamin D intake or absorption
- Chronic kidney disease
- Damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery
Parathyroid Treatment
Treatment for parathyroid disorders varies depending on what condition you have. Our endocrinologists will put together comprehensive, personalized treatment plans to help manage your symptoms.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements
You may take calcium and vitamin D supplements to treat parathyroid disorders. Your endocrinologist may also prescribe a special active form of vitamin D.
Refer a Patient to the Thyroid & Parathyroid Clinic
You will need a provider referral to schedule an appointment at the Thyroid & Parathyroid Clinic. Referring providers may call 801-581-7761.
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