Parathyroid hyperplasia

Parathyroid hyperplasia is when all four of the parathyroid glands are enlarged and overly secreting hormone. Hyperparathyroidism means that the level of parathyroid hormone measured in the blood is high. Parathyroid hormone is largely responsible for keeping the calcium level balanced. When there is more parathyroid hormone, the parathyroid glands are trying to raise the calcium level. Hyperparathyroidism is associated with a variety of symptoms, including osteoporosis, kidney stones, stomach pain, fatigue, weakness, concentration and mood problems, and more.

Unlike a parathyroid adenoma, in which one gland is overly secreting hormone, the treatment for parathyroid hyperplasia is removal of three or 3 1/2 of the parathyroid glands, to return hormone and calcium levels back to normal.