Osteoporosis and Parathyroid Consequences
Patients with hyperparathyroidism, and the high calcium associated with it, are at increased risk for developing osteoporosis. This disease is a weakening of the bones due to leaching out of calcium over time, and this commonly is most prominent in the forearm, lower back, and hip bones. And so it should come as no surprise that these are the areas where bones may break. Most patients with osteoporosis have developed the disease for other reasons than hyperparathyroidism.
However, if hyperparathyroidism is the primary cause for the osteoporosis, or osteopenia, which is a milder form of the same problem, it is important to identify this. After curative parathyroid surgery for hyperparathyroidism, research has confirmed that the progressive changes of osteoporosis are reversible. Although the leaching out of calcium from the bones is a somewhat slow process, there is no sense in delaying an operation that will immediately reverse this problem. After surgery, there WILL be an increase in bone density, though this process can be prolonged, and you might never regain normal bone density, so it’s important to take care of the parathyroid problem as soon as possible.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. John S. Kennedy to learn more about your condition and possible treatments.
