Specialist in Parathyroid and Calcium Disorders
Endocrinologist, Parathyroid and Calcium Disorder Specialist
located in Peachtree City, GA
Parathyroid and Calcium Disorders
Parathyroid and calcium disorders encompass a range of conditions that impact the skeletal system and mineral balance in the body. These disorders are prevalent among Americans, affecting millions and often leading to significant health complications. At Peach State Endocrinology in Peachtree City, GA, Evgenia Korytnaya, MD (Dr. K), specializes in parathyroid disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels), hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). Schedule online or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. K today.
Learn more about Primary Hyperparathyroidism (Parathyroid gland disorder) at Endocrine Society.
Parathyroid Disorders
What is it:
Disorders of the parathyroid glands include:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)– a condition when one or more of parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of Parathyroid hormone which leads to high calcium levels in the blood and urine, kidney stones and thinning of the bones. Patients often experience symptoms related to high calcium levels.
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a type of hyperparathyroidism when another disease, such as kidney failure or vitamin D deficiency causes low levels of calcium in your blood and that stimulates your parathyroid glands to grow larger and make too much Parathyroid hormone (PTH).
- Hypoparathyroidism is another parathyroid disorder when your body produces abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood and in patients with hypoparathyroidism calcium level go down and phosphorus levels increase.
Symptoms depend on the parathyroid disorder and blood calcium levels.
Symptoms of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and elevated calcium levels:
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- General aches and pains
- Nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Increased thirst and urination
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Symptoms related to bone fractures or kidney stones
Symptoms of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism:
- Muscle spasms, cramps
- Tingling in the area round your mouth, lips, fingers and toes
- Weakness
- Hair loss, dry hair and dry skin
- Headaches, memory issues and depression
What causes it?
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by tumors of one or more parathyroid glands. Sometimes it can be a part of genetic disorder. Certain medications, such as lithium can cause parathyroid disorder as well.
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism usually occurs when another condition cased calcium levels to go down (such as kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, increased urinary calcium losses, poor calcium absorbtion in the gut).
- Hypoparathyroidism can happen if parathyroid glands get damaged during thyroid surgery, other extensive surgery in the neck or radiation therapy to head or neck. Hypoparathyroidism can also be due to an autoimmune condition. Low levels of magnesium can suppress Parathyroid hormone. Rarely, conditions such as Sarcoidosis can affect parathyroid glands.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Surgical intervention if necessary for parathyroid adenoma
- Medications to help maintain normal calcium levels in the blood
Learn about Parathyroid Disorders, such as Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism at Endocrine Society.
Hyperparathyroidism
What is it:
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce excessive parathyroid hormone.
Symptoms:
- Brittle bones prone to fractures.
- Formation of kidney stones.
- Symptoms related to high calcium levels in the blood that include nausea, constipation, confusion, memory issues, fatigue.
What causes it?
- Benign tumors of one or more of the the parathyroid glands.
- Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging.
Treatment may include:
- Surgical removal of tumors causing excessive hormone production.
- Medications to regulate blood calcium levels and decrease bone loss.
Learn about Primary Hyperparathyroidism at Endocrine Society.
Hypocalcemia
What is it:
Hypocalcemia is characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the bloodstream.
Symptoms:
- Muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching.
- Numbness, tingling in perioral area and extremities.
- Irregular heart rhythms.
What causes it?
- Vitamin D deficiency, hindering calcium absorption.
- Hypoparathyroidism, where insufficient parathyroid hormone is produced.
- Kidney disorders impacting calcium regulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis involves blood tests for calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.
Treatment may include:
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements to restore normal levels. Active vitamin D, calcitriol, is often required.
- Addressing underlying conditions.
- Lifestyle changes to enhance calcium intake and absorption.
Learn about one of the causes of hypocalcemia- Hypoparathyroidism at Endocrine Society.
Learn more about Hypocalcemia.
Vitamin D Deficiency
What is it:
Vitamin D deficiency refers to insufficient levels of this vital nutrient.
Symptoms:
- Bone pain and tenderness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Increased risk of fractures.
What causes it?
- Not enough exposure to sunlight
- Darker skin
- Malnutrition
- Certain medications
- Kidney and liver disease prevent your body from adequately processing vitamin D
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis is done through blood tests.
Treatment includes:
- Exposure to sunlight to trigger natural vitamin D synthesis.
- Vitamin D supplements as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into the diet.
Learn more about Vitamin D at NIH.
