Parathyroid Care and Bone Disease
Hypercalcaemia Treatment
Hypercalcemia is a health condition where there is too much calcium in the blood. This can cause problems with the bones, kidneys, heart, and brain.
The most common cause of hypercalcemia is when one or more of the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone. Other causes include cancer, certain medical conditions, and some medications. Excessive consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements can also lead to high calcium levels.
If the hypercalcemia is mild, treatment may not be needed right away. Your doctor will monitor your condition to see if symptoms develop or worsen. They will also check your bones and kidneys regularly to ensure they remain healthy.
For more serious cases, medications or treatment of the underlying cause may be recommended. Medications like calcitonin, calcimimetics, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and prednisone can help lower calcium levels. In some cases, IV fluids and diuretics may be needed to quickly reduce calcium levels and prevent complications.
Surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) can often cure hypercalcemia caused by overactive parathyroid glands. A special scan is done before surgery to locate the problematic gland(s).
It’s important to work closely with your doctor to manage hypercalcemia and address the underlying cause. With proper treatment, the condition can be effectively managed and complications can be prevented.
Poor Bone Mass Evaluation
A bone density test is a medical procedure that helps determine if you have osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weaker and more fragile, making them more likely to break.
The test uses X-rays to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals packed into a segment of your bone. The most commonly tested areas are the spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm.
Doctors use bone density tests for several reasons:
1. Identifying Bone Loss : The test can detect decreases in bone density before you experience any broken bones, allowing for early intervention.
2. Assessing Fracture Risk : The test can help determine how likely you are to experience a bone fracture in the future.
3. Diagnosing Osteoporosis : The test can confirm if you have osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and fragile bones.
4. Monitoring Treatment : If you’re receiving treatment for osteoporosis, the test can help track the effectiveness of the treatment.
The higher your bone mineral content, the denser and stronger your bones are. Bone density tests are different from bone scans, which require an injection and are used to detect other bone-related issues.
Osteoporosis is more common in older women, but men can also develop the condition. By understanding your bone health, you can take steps to maintain strong bones and reduce your risk of fractures.
Parathyroid Treatment
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, causing high calcium levels in your blood. This can lead to different health problems.
There are two types of hyperparathyroidism:
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism : In this type, one or more of your parathyroid glands become enlarged, leading to excessive production of parathyroid hormone. This causes high calcium levels in your blood. Doctors usually prefer surgery as the primary treatment for hyperparathyroidism.
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism :
This type occurs due to another disease that initially causes low calcium levels in your body. Over time, your parathyroid glands produce more hormones to keep the calcium level within the normal range. This is common in people with kidney diseases or who have undergone certain intestinal surgeries or diseases.
Treatment options for primary hyperparathyroidism include:
Surgery : Surgery is the most effective treatment, as it removes the enlarged or tumour-affected glands. This usually cures the condition.
Medications : Medications used to treat hyperparathyroidism include:
- Calcimimetics : These drugs mimic calcium in your blood, tricking your parathyroid glands into releasing less hormone.
- Hormone replacement therapy : For postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, this therapy helps maintain calcium in bones.
- Bisphosphonates : These prevent calcium loss from bones and may reduce osteoporosis caused by hyperparathyroidism.
These medications can have side effects, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.