Question 1

What is Hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperparathyroidism is a hormonal disorder where the parathyroid glands produce excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. It is caused by overactive parathyroid glands, typically due to benign tumors called adenomas, gland enlargement, or rarely parathyroid cancer. The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis because elevated blood calcium is the hallmark indicator of this condition.

Question 2

What causes hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands that produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). The most common cause is a benign tumor called an adenoma on one of the four parathyroid glands, which accounts for about 85% of cases. Other causes include enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands (hyperplasia), which affects about 15% of cases, and rarely, parathyroid cancer. When these glands produce excess PTH, they trigger the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream and increase calcium absorption from food, resulting in persistently elevated blood calcium levels.

Question 3

What is the best test for hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for hyperparathyroidism because elevated blood calcium is the defining characteristic of this condition. This test detects the excess calcium released from bones and absorbed from the intestines due to high parathyroid hormone levels. For more accurate diagnosis, the Calcium, Ionized, Serum test measures the active form of calcium and provides a more precise assessment than total calcium. Additional tests like Alkaline Phosphatase, Serum help evaluate bone damage, while the C-Telopeptide, Serum test measures bone breakdown rate. The combination of these blood tests confirms the diagnosis and assesses how severely the condition is affecting your bones and metabolism.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, weakness, or bone pain that does not improve with rest. Other warning signs include developing kidney stones, especially if they occur repeatedly, or noticing excessive thirst and frequent urination. You should also consider testing if you have unexplained depression, memory problems, or digestive issues like nausea and constipation. People with unexplained fractures, osteoporosis at a younger age, or a family history of parathyroid disorders should get tested promptly. Early detection through blood work can prevent serious complications like severe bone loss and kidney damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hyperparathyroidism often causes fatigue, weakness, and bone pain as calcium is depleted from your skeleton. You might experience kidney stones, which occur when excess calcium accumulates in the kidneys, causing severe pain and urinary problems. Many people notice increased thirst and urination as the body tries to flush out excess calcium. Mental and emotional symptoms include depression, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. Digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite are common. Some people develop high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats due to elevated calcium levels affecting the cardiovascular system.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Women are two to three times more likely to develop hyperparathyroidism than men, especially after menopause when hormonal changes increase risk. People over age 60 have the highest risk, though the condition can occur at any age. Those who have received radiation therapy to the head or neck area have increased risk of developing parathyroid adenomas. People with certain genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia have hereditary forms of the disease. Long-term use of lithium for bipolar disorder and severe vitamin D deficiency can also increase the likelihood of developing hyperparathyroidism.

Question 7

What happens if hyperparathyroidism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hyperparathyroidism causes progressive weakening of bones as calcium is continuously extracted, leading to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk even from minor falls or injuries. Kidney stones become more frequent and severe, potentially causing permanent kidney damage or kidney failure over time. The persistently high calcium levels can cause calcium deposits to form in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Severe cases can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypercalcemic crisis, characterized by extreme calcium levels causing confusion, irregular heartbeat, and even coma. Chronic symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cognitive problems significantly diminish quality of life and can worsen over time without treatment.

Question 8

Can hyperparathyroidism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hyperparathyroidism is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that measure calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. The characteristic pattern shows elevated or high-normal calcium levels along with inappropriately high or normal parathyroid hormone levels. Blood tests also measure vitamin D levels, phosphorus, and bone markers like alkaline phosphatase to assess the full impact of the condition. Your doctor typically orders a calcium test first, and if elevated, follows up with a parathyroid hormone test to confirm the diagnosis. Additional imaging studies like ultrasound or sestamibi scans may help locate which parathyroid gland is overactive, but blood tests remain the foundation for diagnosis and monitoring.

Question 9

How is hyperparathyroidism treated?

Accepted Answer

Surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland (parathyroidectomy) is the definitive treatment and cures most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes about an hour and has a success rate exceeding 95% when performed by experienced surgeons. For mild cases or people who cannot undergo surgery, careful monitoring with regular blood tests and bone density scans is recommended. Medications like calcimimetics can help lower calcium levels by making the parathyroid glands more sensitive to calcium in the blood. Staying well-hydrated, exercising regularly, and ensuring adequate vitamin D intake help manage symptoms while limiting calcium-rich foods may be recommended in some cases.

Question 10

How can I prevent hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Primary hyperparathyroidism caused by adenomas or gland enlargement cannot be prevented as these occur spontaneously without known preventable causes. However, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through sun exposure, diet, or supplements can help prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the glands overwork due to vitamin D deficiency. Regular health checkups with blood work can detect the condition early before serious complications develop. If you have a family history of hyperparathyroidism or genetic syndromes like multiple endocrine neoplasia, genetic counseling and regular screening can help catch the condition early. Avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to the head and neck, especially in childhood, may reduce risk in some cases.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hyperparathyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys flush excess calcium and reduce kidney stone risk. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, or strength training to maintain bone density and muscle strength. Avoid taking calcium supplements unless specifically directed by your doctor, as they can worsen high calcium levels. Limit foods extremely high in calcium like fortified products, though moderate dietary calcium from natural sources is usually acceptable. Get adequate vitamin D through sensible sun exposure and diet, but have your levels monitored as your body may process vitamin D differently. Avoid prolonged bed rest or inactivity, which accelerates bone loss and worsens the condition.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Hyperparathyroidism Blood Test

What is Hyperparathyroidism?

What causes hyperparathyroidism?

What is the best test for hyperparathyroidism?

When should I get tested for hyperparathyroidism?

References

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