How is hyperparathyroidism treated?
Treatment for hyperparathyroidism depends on how mild or severe it is. It also depends on what you and your doctor decide is right for you.
Treatment options include:
- Watchful waiting.
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In mild cases, when there are no symptoms from high calcium and the calcium level is not very high, a doctor may suggest watchful waiting. That means doing regular tests to look for signs that hyperparathyroidism is getting worse or causing other health problems and needs more treatment.
- Surgery.
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When hyperparathyroidism is causing health problems from high calcium levels, doctors usually recommend surgery. Removing the problem parathyroid gland(s) is the only treatment that can cure this condition. Surgery can also be an option for people who don't yet have symptoms but are concerned about possible bone or kidney problems in the future.
While medicine can't cure hyperparathyroidism, it may help with symptoms from high calcium or with bone strength. If you can't have surgery for a medical reason, talk to your doctor about medicine for better bone strength or for lowering your calcium levels.
Each treatment choice has its own risks and benefits. Make sure you understand the possible benefits, along with which risks are greatest for you. Find out how each treatment choice may affect your long-term health.
When talking about the risks and benefits of a treatment option, ask your doctor:
- Is my calcium increase mild enough that we can use watchful waiting? If so, what would be signs that I need other treatment?
- Is there an urgent reason for me to have parathyroid surgery?
- What benefits would you expect me to get from surgery? What are the possible risks?
- Is there a medical reason why parathyroid surgery is not safe for me?
- If I don't have surgery, how is my health likely to change? Over what period of time?
- Is there a medicine that can help me? If so, what benefits might it offer? What are the possible risks?
