Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH): How is it treated?

Hi @cindyt63

Would love for you to post an update after your next bone density test.

How are you feeling in general?

@crankyyankee cipro is scary. My daughter knew someone also who suffered from sever side-effects and was very concerned when I was on it once. Thankfully, I was OK.
I am a fellow yankee, by the way.
JK

Just back from my appointment. My doctor, who knows me well, said 'sorry to disappoint you but your parathyroid is normal. Every question I asked he answered to my satisfaction, but I'm not sure I could replicate the conversation! Another DEXA in 2 years (I'm 74) and he'll probably retest my PTH in 6 months, but he considers everything normal. The bone pain a year ago was probably a blip he guesses. I'm satisfied, and I'm a tough customer! I'll be lurking on this board though. Always interested in others' experiences.

Glad to hear that your appointment went so well and you are comfortable with your doctor's advice. Yes, please keep in touch with this discussion and join in whenever you want to, @crankyyankee .

could you share why your parathyroid hormone was checked? My doctor only requests a TSH test, is that the same? What's parathyroid? I've been on synthroid since 1997, so 20+ years.

Hello @user_chdb5e8ac

Parathyroid is checked if you have symptoms of parathyroid problems, such as bone loss, kidney stones, fractures, etc. The TSH test is a test for the thyroid functioning. While the parathyroid and the the thyroid are located near each other they are separate glands and have different tasks. Here is a Mayo video about the parathyroid, just click on the link,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/multimedia/patient-experience-parathyroid-video/vid-20143231
Here is some written information about hyperparathyroidism,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356194
I hope this helps in your understanding about the parathyroid. Any other questions?

Has anyone had parathyroid surgery at Mayo in Minnesota. Can you recommend a surgeon there?

Hi @mayojulia and welcome to Connect. If you would like to make an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. You can also request an appointment online. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

I'd also like to introduce you to fellow Connect members @hopeful33250 @crankyyankee and @ladybugmg as they have experience with parathyroid problems and may be able to offer support for you.

I also wanted to connect you with fellow member @cindyt63 as she has had parathyroid surgery done, although not at Mayo, and may be able to answer questions you have about her experience with the surgery.

Back to you @mayojulia, for what reason are you looking into parathyroid surgery?

Hello @mayojulia

I would like to join Ethan, @ethanmcconkey, in welcoming you to Connect. I'm glad that you joined this discussion on the parathyroid. I have heard that Mayo is an excellent place for parathyroid surgery, although I have not had surgery at this point.

Here is a video about parathyroid treatment at Mayo, just click on the link to view it,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/multimedia/patient-experience-parathyroid-video/vid-20143231?_ga=2.195734316.1063488962.1549286923-1221957091.1534862430
I have had elevated parathyroid hormones for many years, as well as increased calcium levels in the blood and a very low Vit D level. As a result, I do have osteopenia, in the hip (so I'm very cautious when I'm outside in slippery weather).

In addition, to bone thinning (osteoporosis or osteopenia) elevated parathyroid hormones can also result in kidney stones and other uncomfortable symptoms like bone pain, etc. If you read the many posts in the discussion here, you will have more of an understanding of what is experienced by this problem.

As Ethan said, I would be interested in knowing why you are interested in parathyroid surgery. Is it for you or a family member? Please feel free to share only as you are comfortable doing so.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Will you post again?

I had surgery at Mayo in Minnesota a year ago. Dr. Dy was my surgeon. I would recommend him.