Parathyroid and Osteoporosis

[B. E. North]

I am interested in the question about Parathyroid Hormore for
Osteoporosis, and also confused. I have just learned that my calcium
and PTH levels are high (10.6 on calcium, 61 on PTH) and have been
told I should have surgery to PREVENT Osteoporosis from high PTH
levels. Please explain.

[TonyB]

"B. E. North" <benorth@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:703b76d5.0307312251.282498ea@posting.google.c om...
> I am interested in the question about Parathyroid Hormore for
> Osteoporosis, and also confused. I have just learned that my calcium
> and PTH levels are high (10.6 on calcium, 61 on PTH) and have been
> told I should have surgery to PREVENT Osteoporosis from high PTH
> levels. Please explain.

Parathyroid glands, of which there are usually 4, are located in the thyroid
itself. Sometimes you get ectopic parathyroids in other locations. They
control the level of calcium in the blood. If they "think" your blood levels
are low they will take calcium from the bone to keep it in the blood.

High PTH levels are often caused by a tumour known as a parathyroid adenoma.
Usually this is only in one of the glands and it is possible to detect which
gland in some cases by using a nuclear medicine scan. If you can identify
which gland is affected presumably only that one needs to be removed leaving
the others to preserve normal PT function.

The nuclear test should be easy. The latest method is to use MIBI which is a
single isotope technique. You get an injection in the arm like a blood test
then after a short delay you lay on a couch with the camera over your neck &
images are acquired. Usually you will be asked to return some hours later
for more images. Simple.

Hope this helps.
TonyB