Parathyroid disorder screening

During your appointment, a MinuteClinic provider will conduct a medical history as well as a physical exam. The provider will be able to recognize signs of severe parathyroid disorder and can interpret the results of a PTH blood test to refer you for treatment.

MinuteClinic providers can also help you routinely monitor parathyroid disorder with additional screenings and lab work.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

The four small parathyroid glands can be found on or near the thyroid gland that's located in your neck. These glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH), which sends calcium to the bones.

Parathyroid disorder (also referred to as parathyroid disease) is a condition where the body's parathyroid glands aren't functioning properly, which leads to abnormal levels of calcium in the blood stream.

There are two types:

• Hypoparathyroidism: This disorder occurs when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH. Primary hypoparathyroidism is genetically inherited. Secondary hypoparathyroidism can happen when there is damage to the parathyroid glands.
• Hyperparathyroidism: When the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, it’s called hyperparathyroidism. There are also primary and secondary types of hyperparathyroidism.

High levels of PTH can cause excess calcium in the small intestines and cause the kidneys to overproduce levels of vitamin D. Alternatively, low levels can cause a lack of calcium in the bones, making them weaker and more likely to break.

Other parathyroid disease symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Osteoporosis and brittle bones
• Bone pain
• Kidney stones
• Depression and irritability

While the actual cause of parathyroid disorder isn't known, it typically occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 75 years old.

A few common trends are seen in those with parathyroid disorder, such as:

• Genetics: A family history of parathyroid disorder puts you at greater risk of developing the disease.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes: These are syndromes or disorders that are inherited and affect the body’s network of hormone-producing glands called the endocrine system. These syndromes can cause tumors to grow inside of the parathyroid glands, pituitary glands and the pancreas and cause the glands to function abnormally.
• Radioactive therapy: Parathyroid disorder is linked to thyroid cancer patients who have had radioactive iodine therapy treatment or exposure to other forms of radiation.

To diagnose parathyroid disorder, your provider may order a PTH test to measure the amount of PTH and calcium in your blood. You may also need a parathyroid MRI or scan on your neck to visualize the size and function of your parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid disease treatment can include medications to help reduce or raise calcium levels.

For those with high calcium levels, treatment options may include:

• Calcimimetics: These medications reduce your parathyroid hormone levels by mimicking the effects of calcium. By reducing the body's production of PTH, these medications help lower calcium levels.
• Bisphosphonates: These medications can help prevent the loss of calcium in your bones to reduce osteoporosis (a disease that causes your bones to lose their mineral density).

If your calcium levels are too low, treatment options may include:

• Calcitriol: Calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, increases absorption and retention of calcium in your bones while regulating the amount that passes through your kidneys.
• Vitamin D and calcium supplements: These help to level out parathyroid hormone production and raise levels of calcium.

If you're showing symptoms of parathyroid disorder, schedule a visit at your local MinuteClinic for a parathyroid test.