Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands in the neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone regulates the balance of calcium in the body, and excess can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia.
A blood test is one of the primary methods used to detect hyperparathyroidism. The test measures the levels of PTH and calcium in the blood. Elevated levels of PTH and calcium can indicate hyperparathyroidism. Search for blood testing services near me to know the complete medical condition of your body.
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are frequently absent in early disease. Therefore, working closely with a doctor to determine the best treatment for hyperparathyroidism is essential. Treatments may consist of little more than careful health monitoring, medicine, or surgery if necessary due to severe symptoms or an enlarged parathyroid gland. In this article, we will discuss in-depth the use of blood tests to detect hyperparathyroidism.
What Is Hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism develops from too much activity in the parathyroid glands, the grain-of-rice-sized shapes near the thyroid glands in your neck. The parathyroid glands generate parathyroid hormone (PTH), which boosts calcium levels in the bloodstream when needed. However, too much PTH is produced from:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is frequently caused by parathyroid gland hyperplasia, a benign (non-cancerous) growth called an adenoma, or (in infrequent circumstances) a malignant (cancerous) tumor. Although the causes of enlargement are mostly unknown, they may run in families.
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the minerals, calcium, and phosphate levels are off-balance due to certain medical disorders. For example, this is brought on by issues such as vitamin D or calcium deficit or by renal failure and causes the parathyroid glands to compensate.
The extra PTH affects the release of calcium from the bones, which may lead to hypercalcemia (high levels of the mineral in the blood) and problems such as:
- Osteoporosis: a deterioration of the bones health that can make them more susceptible to fractures
- Osteopenia: a disorder that often precedes osteoporosis
- Kidney Stones: hard stone-shaped deposits that result from excess calcium getting in the urine and getting filtered by the kidneys
- Cardiovascular Disease: high calcium levels are associated with high blood pressure (hypertension) and some forms of heart disease
Can Blood Test Detect Hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism is a situation in which one or more of the four parathyroid glands in the neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone regulates the balance of calcium in the body, and excess can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia. This can result in a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, and kidney stones, as well as long-term complications, such as osteoporosis.
A blood test is one of the primary methods used to detect hyperparathyroidism. The test measures the levels of PTH and calcium in the blood. Elevated levels of PTH and calcium can indicate hyperparathyroidism. However, it is essential to note that other conditions, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, which is caused by a non-cancerous tumor on one of the parathyroid glands, and secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is caused by a problem with the kidneys or vitamin D deficiency, also can cause high PTH and calcium levels.
One key point is that some cases of hyperparathyroidism may not have high calcium levels in the blood. This is known as “normal calcium hyperparathyroidism” or “hyperparathyroidism with normal calcium” (HPNCC). In these cases, the PTH level alone may not be enough to diagnose the condition, and additional testing may be necessary. A test called the “intact PTH assay” can be used to measure the levels of both “intact” PTH (the full hormone) and “fragmented” PTH (smaller pieces of the hormone). Elevated levels of intact PTH can indicate HPNCC.
Another essential aspect to consider is that hyperparathyroidism can occur in the context of other endocrine conditions, such as endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). These conditions can have similar symptoms and laboratory findings as hyperparathyroidism, and genetic testing may be needed to distinguish between them.
It is also worth noting that some people with hyperparathyroidism may not have symptoms, which are detected through routine blood tests. This is known as asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. In these cases, treatment may not be necessary unless the individual is at high risk for complications, such as osteoporosis.
Working closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment for hyperparathyroidism is essential. While surgery is the most common treatment, the decision to operate should be based on the individual’s overall health, the severity of their hyperparathyroidism, and their risk of complications. In some cases, medication may help control symptoms and prevent complications.
Other tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism include a 24-hour urine test for calcium and a bone density test. The 24-hour urine test measures the amount of calcium excreted in the urine over 24 hours. An increased amount of calcium in the urine can indicate hyperparathyroidism. A bone density test uses X-rays or other imaging methods to measure the density of the bones and can detect osteoporosis, a common complication of hyperparathyroidism.
If hyperparathyroidism is suspected, a doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or a sestamibi scan. These tests can help to locate any abnormal growths on the parathyroid glands. In some cases, a biopsy of the parathyroid gland may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for hyperparathyroidism typically involves removing the abnormal parathyroid gland or glands. Surgery is the most common treatment and is typically performed by an endocrine surgeon. In some cases, medication may be used to help control the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.
Diagnosing and treating hyperparathyroidism early is essential, as the condition can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Regular blood testing and monitoring of calcium and PTH levels are necessary for individuals with hyperparathyroidism to ensure the condition is adequately managed. Search for blood testing services near me to know the complete medical condition of your body.
Final Words
The blood test can detect hyperparathyroidism by measuring the levels of PTH and calcium in the blood. Elevated levels of PTH and calcium can indicate hyperparathyroidism. Other tests, such as a 24-hour urine test for calcium and a bone density test, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosing and treating hyperparathyroidism early is essential, as the condition can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Therefore, regular blood testing and monitoring of calcium and PTH levels are necessary for individuals with hyperparathyroidism to ensure the condition is appropriately managed.