Hyperparathyroidism Unmasked: When Calcium Turns Against You

You know how we’re always told that calcium is good for us? Drink milk for strong bones, eat your greens, and take your supplements. But what if your body starts going overboard making too much calcium float around in your blood? That’s when something’s off. And one tiny set of glands in your neck could be the reason why.

It’s called hyperparathyroidism, and honestly, most people haven’t even heard of it. But it can quietly mess with your bones, kidneys, and even your mood without making a big fuss at first. Sounds sneaky? It kind of is.

In this blog, we’re going to walk through what this condition actually is, why it happens, how to spot it, and what treatments are available especially in India, where conditions like vitamin D deficiency and kidney problems are pretty common.

What is hyperparathyroidism and how does it affect the body?

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and secrete too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). These glands, located in your neck behind the thyroid, are responsible for maintaining the right balance of calcium and phosphorus in your blood and bones.

When too much PTH is released, calcium levels in the blood rise, sometimes to dangerous levels. Over time, this can affect your:

• Bones: Excess calcium is pulled from the bones, weakening them and increasing fracture risk.
• Kidneys: High calcium can lead to kidney stones or impaired kidney function.
• Nervous system: Patients may experience confusion, fatigue, or depression.
• Digestive system: Symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation can occur.

What causes hyperparathyroidism in Indian patients?

In India, primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common form and is usually caused by:

• Benign tumors (adenomas) on one of the parathyroid glands (most common)
• Hyperplasia or enlargement of multiple glands
• Parathyroid cancer (very rare)

Secondary hyperparathyroidism, on the other hand, is usually a consequence of chronic kidney disease or severe vitamin D deficiency both relatively common in the Indian population due to dietary gaps or limited sun exposure.

What are the warning signs of hyperparathyroidism?

Often called a silent disease, hyperparathyroidism may not present any noticeable symptoms at first. But when they do appear, they can be vague and confusing.

Watch out for:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Bone pain or frequent fractures
• Muscle cramps
• Frequent urination
• Depression or mood swings
• Kidney stones
• Memory problems or poor concentration

How is hyperparathyroidism diagnosed in India?

If your doctor suspects hyperparathyroidism, they may order the following tests:

• Blood test: To check elevated calcium and PTH levels.
• Vitamin D test: To rule out deficiency as a contributing factor.
• Bone density scan (DEXA): To check for osteoporosis.
• Ultrasound or Sestamibi scan: To locate any overactive parathyroid glands or tumors.

What are the treatment options for hyperparathyroidism? 

The treatment depends on the type and severity of hyperparathyroidism:

1. Monitoring (Watchful Waiting)

If calcium levels are only mildly elevated and you don’t have symptoms, doctors may recommend regular monitoring with:

• Blood calcium and PTH levels
• Bone density tests
• Kidney function tests

2. Medications

For those who can’t undergo surgery or need to manage calcium levels before surgery, medications like Cinacalcet are prescribed. This Medication helps reduce PTH production and lowers calcium levels in the blood by mimicking calcium in the body.

Additionally, PTH 30mg Tablet may be used in certain cases where managing parathyroid hormone levels is crucial. These medications are typically prescribed by an endocrinologist and require regular follow-up.

3. Surgery (Parathyroidectomy)

This is the most definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. A surgeon removes the overactive parathyroid gland(s), usually through a small neck incision. The success rate is high, and many patients experience symptom relief within weeks.

In India, this surgery is available at most major endocrinology centers and can often be done as a minimally invasive procedure.

Can hyperparathyroidism cause long-term damage if left untreated?

Yes, untreated hyperparathyroidism can have serious consequences, especially over time. These include:

• Osteoporosis and fractures: Weakened bones are more prone to breaking.
• Kidney stones: Recurrent stones can damage kidney tissue.
• Chronic kidney disease: High calcium can eventually impair kidney function.
• Neuropsychiatric issues: Long-standing high calcium may contribute to memory loss, depression, and confusion.
• Cardiovascular risk: Some studies link prolonged high calcium to increased risk of heart problems.

How can diet and lifestyle support treatment?

While medications or surgery are often needed, lifestyle changes can support recovery and improve overall health.

Tips for patients with hyperparathyroidism:

• Stay hydrated to help prevent kidney stones.
• Limit high-calcium foods only if advised by your doctor.
• Avoid calcium or vitamin D supplements unless specifically prescribed.
• Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to strengthen bones.
• Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake to protect bone health.

Final Thoughts

Hyperparathyroidism may be silent in the beginning, but its impact on your bones, kidneys, and mental well-being can be profound. With increasing awareness in India and better access to diagnostics and treatment options, patients now have the tools to reclaim control over their health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms that don’t add up fatigue, kidney stones, or bone pain it may be time to look beyond the usual suspects and consider checking calcium and PTH levels.

Calcium is essential but when it turns rogue, it’s time to act.