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Welcome to Parathyroid Awareness Month
July 22 marks our first-ever Hyperparathyroidism Awareness Day—a collaboration between the Norman Parathyroid Center and Any Lab Test Now. We’re spotlighting a common, often hidden condition: hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands). It affects up to 1 in 100 adults—and 1 in 50 women over 50—yet many people go untreated for years. That changes now. Join Dr. Mitchell live as he answers your top questions—everything from early symptoms to surgery, recovery, and why experience matters.
Easy Testing—No Doctors Needed
We’ve teamed up with Any Lab Test Now so you can get tested without waiting for a referral.
- Order a calcium + PTH blood panel in-store or online
- Results typically in 24–48 hours
- No imaging required for diagnosis
- Bring your results to us—and proceed straight to evaluation
What are the parathyroid glands and what do they do?
Inside the Nation’s Top Parathyroid Surgery Center: Tour the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery
Patients Love It! Hear about parathyroid surgery at the Norman Parathyroid Center
Frequently asked questions
What are the parathyroid glands?
You have four tiny parathyroid glands in your neck, next to your thyroid. Despite the similar name, they do very different things. The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium levels in your blood—something your body needs for bones, muscles, nerves, and more.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more parathyroid glands become overactive and make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes your blood calcium to rise, which can slowly harm your bones, kidneys, and overall health.
What causes parathyroid disease?
In most cases, it’s caused by a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on one of the glands. It’s not something you did wrong, and it usually develops slowly over time. It’s especially common in women over 50.
What are the symptoms of parathyroid disease?
People often feel tired, forgetful, moody, or achy. Other signs include bone loss, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and trouble sleeping. Many people say they “just don’t feel like themselves”—and doctors may chalk it up to aging, stress, or menopause.
Is it serious?
Yes. Even if your symptoms feel mild, untreated hyperparathyroidism can lead to long-term problems like osteoporosis, kidney damage, and heart issues. It’s a slow, silent condition—but one that gets worse over time.
How do you test for it?
It only takes two simple blood tests: one for calcium and one for PTH (parathyroid hormone). That’s it! You don’t need an ultrasound, scan, or imaging to make the diagnosis.
Do I need to see a specialist first?
No. You can get tested on your own through Any Lab Test Now, then bring your results to us. We’ll review them and let you know if surgery is needed.
What is the treatment?
The cure is a quick, outpatient surgery to remove the overactive gland. It usually takes 20 minutes or less, and most people go home the same day feeling better almost immediately.
Can it come back?
If the surgery is done right by a high-volume expert, recurrence is very rare. That’s why it’s important to choose a center that specializes in parathyroid surgery.
Why have I never heard of this before?
Parathyroid disease is surprisingly common—but widely misunderstood. Many doctors aren’t trained to spot it, and the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. That’s why awareness is so important.
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