The parathyroid glands, four small glands located behind the thyroid, play a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Parathyroid disease occurs when these glands produce too much or too little parathyroid hormone, causing imbalances that affect bones, kidneys, and overall metabolism. At Elise M Brett MD PC, Dr. Elise M. Brett specializes in diagnosing and managing parathyroid disorders, ensuring patients in Manhattan’s Upper East Side receive personalized, precise care to restore calcium balance and prevent complications.
Recognizing Parathyroid Disease: Symptoms and Signs
Early detection of parathyroid disease is essential to maintain healthy calcium levels and prevent long-term complications. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Bone pain or increased risk of fractures
- Kidney stones or frequent urination
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or constipation
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Confusion or memory difficulties
Why Parathyroid Health is Essential for Overall Wellness
Parathyroid disease has a profound impact on multiple body systems, making accurate diagnosis and management critical for healthcare providers. Untreated parathyroid disorders can lead to osteoporosis, kidney disease, cardiovascular issues, and severe metabolic disturbances. Because symptoms are often nonspecific and blood and urine tests can be complicated to interpret, patients may be misdiagnosed, highlighting the need for specialized endocrine evaluation. Early detection allows providers to stabilize calcium levels, prevent organ damage, and improve quality of life. Patients with parathyroid disease require individualized treatment plans to balance hormone levels while addressing symptoms and long-term health risks. Dr. Elise M. Brett’s expertise ensures that both immediate calcium imbalances and chronic complications are effectively managed. Proper management reduces hospitalizations, supports bone health, and restores normal metabolic function. Endocrinology care for parathyroid disease is essential for sustaining energy, cognitive function, and overall wellness.
Step-by-Step Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Parathyroid Disorders
At Elise M Brett MD PC, parathyroid disease is addressed through a structured process to ensure precise diagnosis and effective management:
- Comprehensive Consultation and Medical Review: Dr. Brett evaluates symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to guide further testing
- Laboratory Testing for Calcium and Hormones: Blood tests measure calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels to detect imbalances. Urine tests help in confirming a diagnosis and assessing risk for kidney stones.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, sestamibi scans, or other imaging techniques identify abnormal parathyroid glands or tumors. Neck ultrasounds are performed in the office.
- Personalized Treatment Planning: Based on the findings, Dr. Brett develops a tailored plan that may include surgery, medication, or lifestyle interventions to normalize calcium levels.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Regular follow-ups and lab tests ensure that calcium and parathyroid hormone levels remain stable and that treatments are effective.
- Patient Education and Lifestyle Guidance: Patients receive guidance on diet, calcium and vitamin D intake, hydration, and symptom monitoring to maintain long-term endocrine health.
Prevention and Long-Term Calcium Balance
The prognosis for parathyroid disease varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but most patients achieve significant improvement with proper management. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment can prevent bone loss, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications. Patients who adhere to a personalized plan typically experience improved energy, reduced fatigue, and better mental clarity. Regular monitoring allows Dr. Brett to adjust treatment, minimizing relapses or fluctuations in calcium levels. With expert care, patients can restore normal metabolic function, maintain strong bones, and reduce long-term health risks. Lifestyle modifications combined with medical therapy support sustainable wellness, enhancing both physical and cognitive health over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parathyroid Disease
1. What causes an overactive parathyroid gland?
Parathyroid hormone elevation may be a normal response to inadequate calcium or vitamin D in the blood, or it may represent the disease primary hyperparathyroidism. Rarely it can be due to a genetic condition called familial benign hypercalcemia. Primary hyperparathyroidism is most often caused by one or more adenomas (benign tumors) or parathyroid gland hyperplasia (generalized enlargement) and very rarely malignant disease,
2. What causes an underactive parathyroid gland?
Hypoparathyroidism may be due to damage to the parathyroid glands from surgery, genetic causes, autoimmune disease, radiation and rarely infiltrative diseases.,
3. How is parathyroid disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels, often paired with 24-hour urine collections for calcium. Ultrasound, 4D CT scans and sestamibi scans help locate enlarged glands.
4. Can overactive parathyroid be treated without surgery?
Some cases can be managed with medications or close monitoring if surgery is not necessary. Surgery is recommended for people with signfiicantly elevated calcium levels or those at increased risk for complications.
5. How is an underactive parathyroid treated?
Hypoparathyroidism may be treated with calcium, activated vitamin D and/or parathyroid hormone replacement therapy. Sometimes additional medications such as diuretics are used.
6. What are the risks of untreated parathyroid disease?
Untreated parathyroid disease can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, high blood pressure, cognitive issues and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis reduces these risks and improves long-term health outcomes.
7. How often should patients be monitored?
Follow-up depends on the severity of the disorder, but regular lab testing ensures calcium and hormone levels remain balanced. Ongoing monitoring helps prevent complications and adjust treatment when needed.
Take Control of Your Calcium and Parathyroid Health
If you are experiencing fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, or other symptoms related to parathyroid disease, consulting with Dr. Elise M. Brett is the first step toward effective treatment. With expert evaluation and individualized care, patients receive comprehensive guidance to restore calcium balance and prevent long-term complications.
Dr. Brett is dedicated to supporting patients at every stage of parathyroid disease management, providing precise medical care with a compassionate approach. Contact Elise M Brett MD PC in Manhattan’s Upper East Side today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward optimal endocrine and calcium health.