Top 5 Myths About Parathyroid Disorders Busted by Endocrinologist

Top Five Myths About Parathyroid Disorders

Parathyroid issues happen quietly, with minor calcium imbalances causing symptoms before the condition is even recognised clinically. Let us look at the most common myths:

Myth #1: “Parathyroid Problems Are Rare”

Fact: Parathyroid disorders are a more common occurrence than people generally realise.

In most cases, hyperparathyroidism is regarded as a rare disease; however, it affects adults, especially women over the age of 50. A significant number of these cases remain unknown since routine blood tests showing slightly elevated calcium levels are disregarded or considered unimportant. The truth is that even a slight increase in calcium may be a sign of a parathyroid disorder.

If diagnosis is delayed, the following could occur:

• Continuing bone loss and fractures
• Repeated kidney stones
• Persistent tiredness and muscle weakness

Recognising the problem at an early stage by an endocrinologist in Sarvesh Health City can be a great way to avoid years of suffering and irreversible damage.

Myth #2: “It’s Just Menopause, Stress, or Aging”

Fact: Hormone imbalance symptoms can be very similar to those happening every day. In fact, women with parathyroid problems are very often wrongly diagnosed because:

• The symptoms are same as menopausal changes
• Bones getting weaker is seen as a sign of getting older
• People tend to think that mood changes are caused by stress

Of course, these phases in life may cause changes, but if the symptoms continue or get worse, it is worth looking deeper.

Myth #3: “No hike in PTH Levels Means No Parathyroid Disorder.”

Fact: A “normal” PTH level does not always indicate normal function. The state of parathyroid disease is one of the most confusing for patients. Normally, in a healthy person, high calcium levels would reduce PTH production. So, if calcium is high but PTH is still normal, this is considered “inappropriately normal” and it means the patient probably has a parathyroid adenoma.

There are plenty of instances where patients are given false reassurance just because their PTH does not seem to be high. On the other hand, what endocrinologists know is that the levels of calcium and PTH have to be taken together for the correct interpretation and not separately. Not understanding this can lead to a years-long delay of treatment during which time the patient’s bone, kidney, and general health can deteriorate.

Myth #4: “Parathyroid Disorder is Not an Emergency Disease”

Fact: It should not be neglected as parathyroid disease can cause irreversible damage in the body lasting a lifetime.

Parathyroid disorders should be taken seriously, because the failure to do so can lead to “very serious” problems. If too much calcium is released into the bloodstream for an extended period, bones may become fragile, kidneys may get injured, heartbeat may become irregular, and mental health may be negatively affected, causing osteoporosis, or chronic kidney diseases. 

Myth #5: “Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Alone Can Cure Parathyroid Problems.”

Fact: Supplements can sometimes only conceal symptoms or make the pathological process even worse.

Both calcium and vitamin D have essential nutrient functions for keeping the bones healthy. However, products used as calcium and vitamin D sources may have a detrimental effect on parathyroid disorders if taken without medical supervision. In hyperparathyroidism the calcium levels are elevated already, and thus additional intake of calcium raises the possibility of kidney stone formation and heart disease.

Nevertheless, taking drugs on one’s own could lead to a delay in diagnosis since the test results may temporarily return to normal despite the silent changes in the body.