Understanding Parathyroid Disease


Parathyroid gland
Parathyroid and thyroid glands

The parathyroid glands, which are located in your neck, constantly monitor and control the amount of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium circulating in your blood. When the level of these minerals rise or fall below normal, these four tiny glands adjust the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH) they secrete. When more of this hormone is circulating, the bones release additional calcium into your blood. In contrast, when the parathyroid secretes less hormone, the bones give up less calcium. Vitamin D levels are also affected.

This vital balance can get disrupted when the parathyroid glands malfunction, due to a disease, injury or another cause. As a result, blood calcium levels get out of whack, causing one of two conditions:

  • Hyperparathyroidism: When the parathyroid produces too much PTH, causing blood calcium to rise to unhealthy levels.
  • Hypoparathyroidism: When the parathyroid is under-active, producing too little PTH and causing blood calcium levels to fall.

In addition to keeping bones strong, calcium plays a key role in other fundamental biological functions, including muscle contractions and communication between nerve cells. Thus, too much or too little calcium not only affects your bones but also your heart, digestive tract, kidneys, muscles and brain.

UChicago Medicine endocrinologists are among a select number of physicians in the region with strong experience in treating parathyroid disorders, including complex cases that may not be easy to diagnose or manage. Because we see a large number of patients with all types of parathyroid disease, we are able to pick up on indications in blood work and imaging scans that might be missed by less experienced physicians.

Our physicians are also world-renowned specialists in osteoporosis. Their combined knowledge and experience in bone and parathyroid diseases allows them to provide comprehensive care to patients whose bones are affected by parathyroid problems.

Treatment Options for Parathyroid Disease

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.