Description

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Bone pain: Bones in the spine, hips, and wrists may be weak and fragile, and break easily. Calcium crystals in joint fluid can cause joint pain. 
  • Muscle weakness: Muscles may feel weak. 
  • Fatigue: May feel tired. 
  • Depression: May experience depression. 
  • Memory problems: May experience forgetfulness or memory issues. 
  • Kidney stones: May develop kidney stones. Small stones may pass unnoticed in urine, but larger stones may get stuck and cause pain in the groin or loin area. Blood in the urine may also be present. 
  • Increased urination: May need to urinate more often. 
  • Increased thirst: May feel thirsty. 
  • Nausea and vomiting: May experience nausea and vomiting. 
  • Loss of appetite: May lose their appetite. 
  • Constipation: May experience constipation

This panel includes the following test:

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

A parathyroid comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is important because it provides a broad assessment of your blood chemistry, including calcium levels, which are directly regulated by the parathyroid glands, allowing your doctor to identify potential issues with parathyroid function like hyperparathyroidism (excessive calcium production) by checking for abnormally high calcium levels in conjunction with other relevant markers in the blood, often as part of a routine checkup or if you have symptoms related to calcium imbalance.

A parathyroid complete blood count (CBC) is important because it can help identify potential complications related to parathyroid gland dysfunction, particularly by monitoring for signs of anemia or bleeding issues which can occur when calcium levels in the blood are significantly abnormal, as regulated by the parathyroid glands; a CBC can be used alongside a specific parathyroid hormone (PTH) test to get a more complete picture of parathyroid function.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood and bones. The parathyroid glands release PTH in response to low blood calcium levels, which helps to restore calcium levels to normal.