The parathyroids are usually four small glands that sit just behind the thyroid in the lower neck.
The parathyroid glands control your blood calcium levels. If they produce too much hormone your blood calcium level rises and you may develop symptoms. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches and pains, constipation, mood changes, excess thirst and a need to pass water more frequently. Because of the high levels of calcium in your blood and urine some people also develop stones in the kidneys or bladder.
Parathyroid gland overactivity is usually caused by a single gland that malfunctions although occasionally there is more than one. Sometimes, all of the glands are abnormal. It is not always easy to know which of these scenarios is the case and scan can help guide decisions. Surgery to remove abnormal parathyroid glands is usually very effective at returning your calcium levels to normal and can have a significant beneficial impact on your overall health and wellbeing over time.
