Hyperpara thyro id ism

Ove rp roduc tion of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands that raises the calcium level in the blood ( hypercalcaemia) by removing calcium from bones. This may lead to bone disorders, such as osteoporosis. To try to normalize the high calcium level, the kidneys excrete large amounts of calcium in the urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones (see calculus, urinary tract). Hyperparathyroidism is most often caused by a small noncancerous tumour of 1 or more of the parathyroid glands. It may also occur when the glands become enlarged for no known reason. It usually develops after age 40 and is twice as common in women as in men. Hyperparathyroidism may cause depression and abdominal pain. However, often the only symptoms are those caused by kidney stones. If hypercalcaemia is severe, there may be nausea, tiredness, excessive urination, confusion, and muscle weakness. The condition is diagnosed by X-rays of the hands and skull and by blood tests. Surgical removal of abnormal parathyroid tissue usually cures the condition. If the remaining tissue is unable to produce enough parathyroid hormone, treatment for hypoparathyroidism is required.