Parathyroid Glands
Answers to common questions about parathyroid glands.
Questions on this page
What are the parathyroid glands?
They are usually four small glands in the neck that help regulate calcium levels in the blood.
What is PTH?
PTH stands for parathyroid hormone.
It helps maintain the body's calcium and phosphorus balance.
What happens when PTH is too high?
High PTH can increase blood calcium and affect bones and kidneys, depending on the cause.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism means the parathyroid glands are producing too much PTH.
What is primary hyperparathyroidism?
Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more parathyroid glands become overactive.
A common finding is high calcium with an inappropriately high PTH level.
What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
Some people have no symptoms.
Others may develop:
- Kidney stones
- Bone loss
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Increased thirst or urination
Can hyperparathyroidism cause osteoporosis?
Yes.
Long-standing primary hyperparathyroidism can contribute to bone loss and increased fracture risk.
Can hyperparathyroidism cause kidney stones?
Yes.
High calcium levels can increase the risk of kidney stones.