Primary Hyperparathyroidism: How Overactive Parathyroid Glands Raise Calcium

Did a routine blood test show a high calcium level? Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common reason. Head and neck surgeon Dr. Chris Lansford explains how one or more parathyroid glands begin making too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), why the calcium concentration in the blood rises, and how years of extra PTH and calcium can thin the bones and lead to kidney stones. The video also covers parathyroid adenomas and multigland disease, inherited and acquired changes in the MEN1 gene, what raises the risk of primary hyperparathyroidism, the blood test pattern that defines the diagnosis, effects beyond the bones and kidneys, what a 2026 national study of more than 43,000 adults found, who is more likely to progress, and why surgery is recommended for people who meet expert criteria. Dr. Chris Lansford is a double board-certified head and neck surgeon and facial plastic surgeon in Bloomington, Illinois. More about hyperparathyroidism: https://doctorlansford.com/conditions... Treatment and surgery: https://doctorlansford.com/treatments... More videos:    / @doctorlansford   Chapters: 0:00 What this video covers 0:21 The four parathyroid glands 0:33 The calcium thermostat 1:00 How PTH raises calcium 1:16 How the abnormal growth starts 1:57 Adenoma, multigland disease and cancer 2:26 Genetic changes: cyclin D1 3:09 MEN1: inherited and acquired 4:19 What raises the risk 5:19 Why PTH stays high 6:02 Calcium rises 6:14 The blood test pattern that defines the diagnosis 6:52 Slowly progressive 7:07 Bones 7:39 Kidneys 7:50 Other effects of primary hyperparathyroidism 8:17 How often bone and kidney problems occur 8:59 Identifying which patients will progress 9:32 When surgery is recommended 10:26 Summary Key sources (all 55 are in the pinned comment and its reply): Delaney LD et al. JAMA Surg. 2026;161(9):936-943. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2026.3051 Bilezikian JP et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16033. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.33 Westin G. J Intern Med. 2016;280(6):551-558. doi:10.1111/joim.12458 Minisola S et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(11):2315-2329. doi:10.1002/jbmr.4665 El-Hajj Fuleihan G et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(11):2330-2350. doi:10.1002/jbmr.4679 Rubin MR et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(9):3462-3470. doi:10.1210/jc.2007-1215 Yu N et al. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013;79(1):27-34. doi:10.1111/cen.12206 Bilezikian JP et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(11):2293-2314. doi:10.1002/jbmr.4677 Wilhelm SM et al. JAMA Surg. 2016;151(10):959-968. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2016.2310 Perrier N et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2022;37(11):2373-2390. doi:10.1002/jbmr.4689 Charts are original drawings of published data. Narration uses an AI voice. Anatomy images are AI-generated; animations are simplified and not to scale. Patients: to schedule an appointment, call 309-663-4368. DISCLAIMER FOR CONTENT We are doing our best to prepare the content of the Site, and this and other Video Content. Christopher Lansford does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the Site or Video Content. Christopher Lansford does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in any Video Content. The Site and Video Content are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Video Content or the Site. Christopher Lansford hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the Site or Video Content, which is provided as is, and without warranties. However, Christopher Lansford cannot warranty the expressions and suggestions of the contents, as well as their accuracy. In addition, to the extent permitted by the law, Christopher Lansford shall not be responsible for any losses and/or damages due to the usage of the information on our website or videos. By using the Site or Video Content, you hereby consent to this disclaimer and agree to its terms. The links contained on our website or videos may lead to external sites or videos, which are provided for convenience only. Any information or statements that appeared in these sites or videos are not sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise approved by Christopher Lansford. For these external sites, Christopher Lansford cannot be held liable for the availability of, or the content located on or through them, nor any losses or damages occurred from using these contents or the internet generally. #hyperparathyroidism #parathyroid #highcalcium