Your parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Primary hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much PTH. This can lead to bone tissue loss, high levels of calcium in your blood, and kidney stones. This condition is more common in females than in males. Sometimes primary hyperparathyroidism is part of a hereditary condition that involves tumors in many parts of the body.

PTH keeps the levels of calcium in your blood from going too low. It does this by releasing calcium from bones and reabsorbing calcium from the kidneys. And PTH increases how much calcium is absorbed from food. Too much PTH causes too much calcium to be released from bone. And the level of calcium in your blood rises.

In some cases, no cause can be found. Some known causes include benign tumors on the parathyroid glands, or enlargement of the glands. When a tumor is benign, that means it's not cancer. When there is a benign tumor in a parathyroid gland, it is called a parathyroid adenoma. When more than one gland becomes enlarged, it is called parathyroid hyperplasia. Both of these conditions are not cancer. In rare cases, it can be caused by a tumor that is cancer or a cyst that is not cancer.

Each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of too much calcium in the blood may include:

• Constipation.
• Frequent and increased urination.
• Increased thirst.
• Joint pain.
• Kidney pain (due to the presence of kidney stones).
• Lack of energy and extreme tiredness (fatigue) and confusion.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle weakness.

Other serious symptoms may include:

• Belly pain.
• Depression.
• Memory loss.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

The symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism may look like other health problems. Always talk with your doctor for a diagnosis. There are many other possible causes of a high calcium level. These may need to be checked for as well.

The condition may not have any symptoms or complications. Sometimes a high calcium level is found during a routine blood test as part of a physical exam.

You'll likely have additional blood tests done to check the levels of calcium, PTH, and vitamin D. You'll also likely have urine tests to check on the level of calcium in your urine and to check your kidney function.

Your doctor may want to scan your thyroid after giving you an injection of a substance that collects in the parathyroid glands. This substance is called sestamibi. You may also have an ultrasound study of your neck. This could find a parathyroid adenoma.

You may have dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This test is also called bone densitometry (or DXA scan). It's done to figure out bone density and to reveal loss of bone tissue, as can occur with this condition. It's also used to help your doctor monitor your condition. Testing can also help decide if surgery may be needed.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Surgery to remove the affected gland may be needed. Treatment may include medicines, regular bone densitometry testing to reveal loss of bone tissue, and follow-up tests of kidney function.

• Primary hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much hormone. This can lead to bone tissue loss.
• This condition is more common in females than in males.
• Some known causes include benign tumors on the parathyroid glands or enlargement of the glands, or the cause may be unknown.
• Symptoms include loss of appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, lack of energy and extreme tiredness (fatigue), muscle weakness, joint pain, constipation, and kidney pain.
• Treatment may include regular bone densitometry testing to reveal bone tissue loss. Surgery may be needed.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your doctor gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions.