FAC T:

Lack of corticosteroids in the

Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addison's Disease
blood may cause the
pituitary gland to produce
What is Addison's disease?
more corticotropin hormones
Addison's disease is the result of an underactive adrenal
to stimulate the adrenal
gland. An underactive adrenal gland produces insufficient
glands. Since corticotrophin
amounts of corticosteroid hormones. Four in every
affects melanin production,
100,000 people have Addison's disease.
excess levels of
corticotropins may cause
What causes Addison's disease?
dark pigmentation of the skin
Most of the time, the cause of the disease is unknown.
and lining of the mouth.
About one-third of Addison's disease cases are caused by
the actual destruction of the adrenal glands through cancer, infection, or other diseases.
Other causes may include:

Use of corticosteroids as a treatment (such as prednisone) causes a slow down in

production of natural corticosteroids by the adrenal glands.

Certain drugs used to treat fungal infections may block production of

corticosteroids in the adrenal glands.

Results of inadequate corticosteroid production:

Lack of corticosteroids has several health repercussions:
1. Lack of corticosteroids can cause elevated levels of sodium and retention of
potassium. This leads to the inability to produce concentrated urine by the
kidneys, which in turn can lead to excessive urination. Ultimately, a patient
becomes dehydrated.
2. Lack of corticosteroids can also lead to extreme sensitivity to the hormone
insulin, which normally is present in the bloodstream. This sensitivity may lead to
low blood sugar levels.
3. Lack of corticosteroids means the patient is at increased risk during stressful
periods, such as surgery, infection, or injury. Corticosteroids play an important
role in helping the body fight infection and promote healing during physical
stress.
What are the symptoms of Addison's disease?
Mild Addison's disease symptoms may only be apparent when the patient is under
physical stress. The following are the most common symptoms. However, each individual
may experience symptoms differently:

weakness
fatigue
dizziness
dark skin
black freckles

bluish-black discoloration around the nipples, mouth, rectum, scrotum, or vagina

weight loss
dehydration
lack of appetite
muscle aches
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
intolerance to cold

If not treated, Addison's disease may lead to severe abdominal pain, extreme weakness,
low blood pressure, kidney failure, and shock -- especially when the patient is
experiencing physical stress.
The symptoms of Addison's disease may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Consult a physician for diagnosis.
How is Addison's disease diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures
for Addison's disease may include:

blood tests to measure corticosteroid hormone levels

kidney function tests to determine if urine is concentrated

Treatment of Addison's disease:

The goal of treatment is to restore the adrenal glands to normal function, producing
normal levels of corticosteroid hormones. Specific treatment for Addison's disease will be
determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Since Addison's disease can be life threatening, treatment often begins with
administration of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be taken
orally or intravenously, depending on the patient's condition. Usually the patient has to
continue taking the corticosteroid the rest of his/her life. Treatment may also include
taking fludrocortisone, a drug that helps restore the body's level of sodium and potassium.

Overactive Adrenal Glands / Cushing's Syndrome

What are overactive adrenal glands?

When adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of certain
hormones, they are called "overactive." Symptoms and treatment
depend on which hormones are being overproduced:

FAC T :
Corticosteroids help the body
respond to stress. Elevated levels
of these hormones are often
found in pregnant women,
athletes, and people suffering
from depression, alcoholism,
malnutrition, and panic
disorders.

androgenic steroids (androgen hormones) - an

overproduction of androgenic steroids (such as
testosterone) can lead to exaggerated male characteristics in both men and women,
such as hairiness of the face and body, baldness, acne, deeper voice, and more
muscularity.

corticosteroids - an overproduction of corticosteroids can lead to Cushing's

syndrome (see below).

aldosterone - an overproduction of the aldosterone hormone can lead to high blood

pressure and to those symptoms associated with low levels of potassium (i.e.,
weakness, muscle aches, spasms, and sometimes paralysis).

The symptoms of overactive adrenal glands may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Consult a physician for diagnosis.
How are overactive adrenal glands diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
overactive adrenal glands may include:

specific blood tests to measure levels of hormones

urine tests to measure levels of hormones

Treatment of overactive adrenal glands:

Treatment of overactive adrenal glands depends on the cause of the disease. Specific treatment for
overactive adrenal glands will be determined by your
physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include surgical removal of growths or the adrenal gland(s) itself. Certain drugs that
block the excessive production of certain hormones may also be administered.
What is Cushing's syndrome?
Cushing's syndrome is the result of the excessive production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands.
An overproduction of corticotropin -- the hormone that controls the adrenal gland -- by the pituitary
gland, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, may be one cause. In addition,
certain lung cancers and other tumors outside the pituitary gland may produce corticotropins. Other
causes include benign or cancerous tumors on the adrenal glands.
What are the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome?

The following are the most common symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:

upper body obesity

round face
increased fat around neck
thinning arms and legs
fragile and thin skin
stretch marks on abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and breasts
bone and muscle weakness
severe fatigue
high blood pressure
high blood sugar
irritability and anxiety
excess hair growth in women
irregular or stopped menstrual cycles in women
reduced sex drive and fertility in men

The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a
physician for diagnosis.
How is Cushing's syndrome diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
Cushing's syndrome may include:

x-rays to locate any tumors

24-hour urinary test to measure for corticosteroid hormones

computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes crosssectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities
that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces twodimensional views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain or spinal
cord

dexamethasone suppression test - to differentiate whether the excess production of

corticotropins are from the pituitary gland or tumors elsewhere

corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test - to differentiate whether the

cause is a pituitary tumor or an adrenal tumor

other laboratory tests

Treatment for Cushing's syndrome:

Treatment for Cushing's syndrome depends on its cause. Surgery may be needed to remove tumors or
the adrenal glands. Other treatment may include radiation, chemotherapy, and use of certain hormoneinhibiting drugs.

What are adrenal tumors?

Tumors of the adrenal glands are rare. However, when present, they can cause a multitude
of disorders by excessively secreting certain adrenal-produced hormones. One type of tumor
of the adrenal glands is called a pheochromocytoma.
What is a pheochromocytoma?
A pheochromocytoma is a benign adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and
norepinephrine hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating heart rate and
blood pressure, among other functions. Pheochromocytomas occur most frequently in young
to middle-aged adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
The most common symptom of pheochromocytoma is high blood pressure, which is
sometimes extreme. Other symptoms are usually nonexistent, unless the person
experiences pressure from the tumor, emotional stress, changes in posture, or is taking betablocker drugs for a heart disorder. Each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Other symptoms may include:

rapid pulse
palpitations
headache
nausea
vomiting
clammy skin

The symptoms of pheochromocytoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems.

Consult a physician for diagnosis.
How is pheochromocytoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
pheochromocytoma may include:

blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels

computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that takes crosssectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any abnormalities
that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray

radioisotope scan - uses radioactive substances introduced into the body to create
an image of the functioning adrenal gland

Treatment for pheochromocytoma

Treatment for pheochromocytoma usually includes removing the tumor. Before removing the
tumor, however, your physician may prescribe drugs to control high blood pressure.
Rarely pheochromocytomas can be malignant and may metastasize to other organs.
Chemotherapy following resection of the primary tumor is the treatment of choice for
malignant pheochromocytomas.

What is metabolism?

The Thyroid Gland

Anatomy of the thyroid gland:
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck,
below the larynx (voice box). The small, two-inch gland
consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe,
connected by tissue called the isthmus.

Metabolism is the chemical

activity that occurs in cells,
releasing energy from
nutrients or using energy to
create other substances, such
as proteins. The basal
metabolic rate (BMR) is a
measurement of energy
required to keep the body
functioning at rest. Measured
in calories, metabolic rates
increase with exertion,
stress, fear, and illness.

The thyroid tissue is made up of two types of cells:

follicular cells and parafollicular cells. Most of the
thyroid tissue consists of the follicular cells, which
secrete iodine-containing hormones called thyroxine (T4)
and triiodothyronine (T3). The parafollicular cells secrete the hormone calcitonin. The
thyroid needs iodine to produce the hormones.

Functions of the thyroid gland:

The thyroid plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism and calcium
balance. The T4 and T3 hormones stimulate every tissue in the body to produce proteins
and increase the amount of oxygen used by cells. The harder the cells work, the harder
the organs work. The calcitonin hormone works together with the parathyroid hormone to
regulate calcium levels in the body.
Levels of hormones secreted by the thyroid are controlled by the pituitary gland's thyroidstimulating hormone, which in turn is controlled by the hypothalamus.
What are thyroid function tests?
Thyroid function tests are common procedures performed to determine how well the thyroid
is functioning. Some of the most common thyroid function tests include the following:

blood tests:
o to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood which helps
determine thyroid function. High levels of the hormone indicate an underactive
thyroid.
o to measure levels of hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyroxine (T3), and to
measure a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin.

ultrasound exam of the thyroid gland - to detect signs of growth and other
irregularities. (An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses highfrequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.)

thyroid scans using radioactive iodine or technetium (a radioactive metallic element) to reveal any physical abnormalities of the thyroid.

functional stimulation tests - tests that help differentiate whether the problem lies with
the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland. One such test includes injecting thyrotropinreleasing hormone and measuring the pituitary's response.

Hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in
the bloodstream. The oversecretion of thyroid hormones leads to overactivity of the body's
metabolism.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
The following are the most common symptoms of hyperthyoidism. However, each individual may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of the skin
fine, brittle hair
weak muscles, especially in the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
fast heartbeat
high blood pressure
increased bowel movements
weight loss
sleeping difficulty
eye sensitivity to light
staring
confusion
irregular menstrual cycle

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a
physician for diagnosis.
Types of hyperthyroidism:
There are several forms of hyperthyroidism, including:
Graves' disease (diffuse toxic goiter)
Graves' disease is most often associated with hyperthyroidism. Researchers believe Graves' disease is
caused by an antibody which stimulates the thyroid too much, in turn causing the excess production of
thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is categorized as an autoimmune disorder (a dysfunction of the
body's immune system). The disease is most common in young to middle-aged women and tends to
run in families.
Symptoms of Graves' disease are identical to hyperthyroidism, with the addition of three other
symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The three additional
symptoms include:

goiter (enlarged thyroid which may cause a bulge in the neck)

bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
thickened skin over the shin area

toxic nodular goiter (also called multinodular goiter)

Hyperthyroidism caused by toxic nodular goiter is a condition in which one or more nodules of the
thyroid becomes overactive. The overactive nodules actually act as benign thyroid tumors. Symptoms

of toxic nodular goiter do not include bulging eyes or skin problems, as in Graves' disease. The cause
of toxic nodular goiter is not known.
thyroiditis
Thyroiditis causes temporary hyperthyroidism, usually followed with hypothyroidism (an underactive
thyroid). Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are three types of thyroiditis:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis
subacute granulomatous thyroiditis
silent lymphocytic thyroiditis

In addition, if a person takes too many thyroid hormone tablets, hyperthyroidism may occur.
How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
hyperthyroidism may include:

measurement of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream

thyroid scan - uses a radioactive substance to create an image of the thyroid as it is

functioning

Treatment for hyperthyroidism:

Treatment for hyperthyroidism is very specific for each patient. The goal of treatment is to restore the
thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormone. Specific treatment for
hyperthyroidism will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

type of hyperthyroidism
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

use of antithyroid drugs that help lower the level of thyroid hormones in the blood.

use of radioactive iodine, in the form of a pill or liquid, which damages thyroid cells so
that production of thyroid hormones is slowed down.

surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the overactive nodule).

use of beta blocking agents, which block the action of thyroid hormone on the body
(these drugs do not change the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, but make the
patient feel better).

Hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is
underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid
FAC T :
hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder.
In
underdeveloped
countries, a
Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema,
chronic
lack
of
iodine
in a diet is
characterized by dry, thickened skin and coarse facial features.
a major cause of hypothyroidism
because the thyroid needs iodine
Causes of hypothyroidism:
to produce thyroid hormones.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune
Due
to the addition of iodine to
reaction, where the body produces antibodies against the thyroid
table
salt and iodine-laced
gland. One such autoimmune disorder is called Hashimoto's
disinfectants used on cows'
thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Other causes
udders, this cause of
include treatment of hyperthyroidism such as radioactive iodine
hypothyroidism
has disappeared
treatment or surgery.
in the US.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually very subtle and gradual and may be mistaken for symptoms
of depression. The following are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. However, each
individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

dull facial expressions

hoarse voice
slow speech
droopy eyelids
puffy and swollen face
weight gain
constipation
sparse, coarse and dry hair
coarse, dry, and thickened skin
carpal tunnel syndrome (hand tingling or pain)
slow pulse
muscle cramps
orange-colored soles and palms
sides of eyebrows thin or fall out
confusion
increased menstrual flow in women

Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to anemia, low body temperature, and heart failure.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a
physician for diagnosis.
A condition called secondary hypothyroidism sometimes occurs as a result of a failing pituitary gland.
When the pituitary gland fails, it no longer stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for

hypothyroidism may include blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and the thyroidstimulating hormones produced by the pituitary gland.
Treatment of hypothyroidism:
The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of
thyroid hormones. Specific treatment for hypothyroidism will be determined by your physician based
on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the coarse of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones. Dosage of
thyroid hormone may need to be increased over the years. Yearly or biyearly checkups are usually
required to ensure the proper dosage of thyroid hormones is taken.
A patient usually takes thyroid hormones for the rest of his/her
Did you know?
life.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the
most common cause of
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
hypothyroidism.
What is Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's
thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroiditis. Classified as
an autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes an
autoimmune reaction, with antibodies attacking the thyroid gland.
The cause of Hashimoto thyroiditis is unknown.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
The following are the most common symptoms. However, each
individual may experience symptoms differently:

It is also most prevalent in

elderly women and tends to run
in families.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs
eight times more often in women
than men.
Certain chromosomal
abnormalities include
Hashimoto's thyroiditis as a
symptom.

goiter (enlarged thyroid gland which may cause a

bulge in the neck)

other endocrine disorders such as diabetes, an underactive adrenal gland,

underactive parathyroid glands, and other autoimmune disorders

fatigue

muscle weakness

weight gain

The symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Consult a physician for diagnosis.
How is Hashimoto thyroiditis diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
Hashimoto thyroiditis may include blood tests to detect levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid
antibodies.
Treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
Specific treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Did you know...

Specific treatment is currently not available for Hashimoto's

thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis usually results in
hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), which can be
treated with hormone replacement therapy (the administration of
thyroid hormone). Hormone replacement therapy usually
alleviates the goiter condition. However, if goiter does not
improve, surgery may be required.

Thyroid Tumors
What are thyroid tumors?
Thyroid tumors are either benign (noncancerous) or
malignant (cancerous) growths. Examples of benign
tumors are adenomas, which secrete thyroid hormone.
Malignant tumors are more rare and are found in many
stages of malignancy.

...a nodule found in a man's

thyroid is more likely to be
cancer than when found in a
woman?

What is radioactive iodine

treatment?
The thyroid needs iodine to
properly produce the thyroid
hormones. By administering
radioactive iodine to a
patient, the thyroid tissue
will absorb the altered
iodine, which then destroys
that thyroid tissue.

What are thyroid adenomas?

Thyroid adenomas grow from the cell layer that lines the
inner surface of the thyroid gland. The adenoma itself
secretes thyroid hormone. If the adenoma secretes enough thyroid hormone, it may cause
hyperthyroidism. Thyroid adenomas may be treated if they cause hyperthyroidism.
Treatment may include surgery to remove part of the thyroid (the overactive nodule).
What are cancerous thyroid tumors?
Cancer of the thyroid occurs more often in people who have undergone radiation to the
head, neck, or chest. However, most thyroid cancer can be cured with appropriate
treatment. Thyroid cancer usually appears as small growths (nodules) within the thyroid
gland. Some signs that a nodule may be cancerous include:

presence of a single nodule rather than multiple nodules

thyroid scan reveals the nodule is not functioning
nodule is solid instead of filled with fluid (cyst)
nodule is hard
nodule grows fast

What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

The first sign of a cancerous nodule in the thyroid gland is a painless lump in neck.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may
include:

hoarseness or loss of voice as the cancer presses on the nerves to the voice box
difficulty swallowing as the cancer presses on the throat

However, the symptoms of thyroid cancer may resemble other conditions or medical
problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
Diagnosis of thyroid cancer:
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures
for thyroid cancer may include:

thyroid scan
ultrasound
biopsy - taking a sample of the nodule with a needle for examination under a
microscope

Thyroid cancer comes in four forms:

papillary
thyroid
cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer,

accounting for about 60 to 70 percent of all cases. This form of thyroid
cancer affects more women than men.
Treatment for papillary cancer usually involves:

follicular
thyroid
cancer

surgery - to remove part or all of the thyroid (called a

thyroidectomy)

thyroid hormone therapy - to suppress the pituitary gland from

secreting more thyroid-stimulating hormone, which may
stimulate a recurrence of papillary cancer

administration of radioactive iodine - to destroy any remaining

thyroid tissue

Follicular thyroid cancer occurs most often among elderly patients and
accounts for about 15 percent of thyroid cancer cases. This type of
thyroid cancer is more aggressive and tends to spread through the
bloodstream to other parts of the body.

Treatment for follicular cancer may include:

anaplastic
thyroid
cancer

surgery - to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)

administration of radioactive iodine - to destroy any remaining

thyroid tissue

Anaplastic thyroid cancer tends to occur most often among elderly

women and accounts for less than 10 percent of thyroid cancer cases.
This quick-growing cancer usually results in a large growth in the neck.
Approximately 80 percent of patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid
cancer die within one year of diagnosis.
Treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer may include:

medullary
thyroid
cancer

surgery - to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)

medication (i.e., anticancer drugs)

radiation therapy

Medullary thyroid cancer tends to spread through the lymphatic system

(which is part of the immune system and consists of a system of vessels
that connect lymphs throughout the body) and the bloodstream to other
parts of the body. This type of cancer produces excessive amounts of
calcitonin, a hormone also produced by the thyroid gland itself.
surgery - to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)
Additional surgery may be necessary if the cancer has spread.
Because medullary cancer tends to run in families, screening tests for
genetic abnormalities in the blood cells may be conducted.

The Parathyroid Glands

Anatomy of the parathyroid glands:
The parathyroid glands are two small, oval-shaped glands located adjacent to the two thyroid
gland lobes in the neck.
Function of the parathyroid glands:
Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in the regulation of
calcium levels in the blood. Precise calcium levels are important in the human body, since
small deviations can cause muscle and nerve impairment.
The parathyroid hormone stimulates the following functions:

release of calcium by bones into the bloodstream

absorption of food by the intestines
conservation of calcium by the kidneys

Hyperparathyroidism
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Overactive parathyroid glands
produce too much parathyroid hormones, which in turn stimulate increased levels of calcium in the
blood stream.
The excess calcium released by the bones leads to osteoporosis and osteomalacia (both boneweakening diseases). Other results of hyperparathyroidism are kidney stones, because of high levels of
calcium excreted into the urine by the kidneys.
Causes of hyperparathyroidism include benign tumors on the parathyroid glands or enlargement of the
parathyroid glands.
What are symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
The following are the most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. However, each individual
may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

aches and pains

depression
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
fatigue
excessive urination
confusion
muscle weakness

The symptoms of hyperparathyroidism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a
physician for diagnosis.

How is hyperparathyroidism diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for
hyperparathyroidism may include:

bone x-rays
laboratory tests to measure calcium and parathyroid hormone levels

Treatment for hyperparathyroidism:

Specific treatment for hyperparathyroidism will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health and medical history

extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include removal of parathyroid tissue.