Disorders

Diseases of the Parathyroid: Usually patients are referred to us with over-active parathyroid tissue, a condition known as Hyperparathyroidism. In approximately 90% of patients one of the four parathyroid glands is overactive. Some patients have more than one abnormal gland. Hyperparathyroidism leads to elevated PTH which causes absorption of calcium from bone thereby weakening the bones, a condition know as osteoporosis or osteopenia. This causes an elevation of the blood calcium level which in turn results in elevated levels of calcium in the urine and can result in kidney stones and, over time, kidney damage. Patients with elevated blood calcium levels can suffer from depression, fatigue and muscle symptoms.