What is Hyperparathyroidism?
Most people have never heard of the parathyroid glands — four tiny glands located just behind the thyroid in the neck. Despite their small size, they play an important role in keeping calcium levels in the body properly balanced. Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of these glands becomes overactive, releasing too much parathyroid hormone and causing calcium levels in the blood to rise too high.
It is a more common condition than most people realize, and one that is frequently missed because its symptoms can be vague and easy to attribute to other causes. The most common form is caused by a benign growth on one of the parathyroid glands, and the good news is that it is curable with surgery — with most patients noticing meaningful improvement in how they feel afterward.
Common Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism
- Fatigue, low energy, or a general sense of feeling unwell
- Depression, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating
- Bone pain or thinning bones (osteoporosis)
- Kidney stones
- Frequent urination or excessive thirst
- Nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite
- Many patients have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed through routine blood work showing high calcium levels
Diagnosis & Treatment
Hyperparathyroidism is typically identified through blood tests showing elevated calcium levels, followed by imaging to locate the overactive gland before surgery. Dr. Benjamin Rafii works closely with endocrinologists in the Los Angeles area to confirm the diagnosis and make sure every patient is fully prepared before moving forward with treatment.
Surgery — parathyroidectomy — is the only definitive cure. Dr. Rafii performs parathyroidectomy with real-time hormone monitoring during the procedure to confirm the problem gland has been successfully removed, and with the same careful attention to nerve preservation and cosmetic outcome that defines his approach to all surgery of the neck.
Related Conditions: Thyroid Nodules | Thyroid Cancer
Related Treatments: Parathyroidectomy
Related Services: Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
If you have been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism or have been told your calcium levels are elevated, Dr. Rafii and his team are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at The Laryngology & Voice Center of Beverly Hills — same- and next-day appointments are available.