General Surgery in Lagos
Hyperparathyroidism (High Calcium)
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a general surgery specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Hyperparathyroidism (High Calcium)
- Tiredness, low mood and difficulty concentrating
- Thirst and passing a lot of urine
- Kidney stones
- Aching bones, bone thinning or fractures after minor falls
- Constipation, nausea and tummy pain
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands behind the thyroid in the neck. They make a hormone that controls the level of calcium in the blood. In primary hyperparathyroidism one gland, usually because of a benign growth called an adenoma, makes too much hormone, so calcium rises. It is often found by chance on a routine blood test. Over years, raised calcium can cause kidney stones, thin bones and fractures. Low vitamin D and kidney disease can also raise parathyroid hormone, which is a different problem treated with medicines.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Tiredness, low mood and difficulty concentrating
- Thirst and passing a lot of urine
- Kidney stones
- Aching bones, bone thinning or fractures after minor falls
- Constipation, nausea and tummy pain
- Often no symptoms at all
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a blood test shows a raised calcium, or if you have kidney stones, thinning bones, or constant thirst and tiredness without a clear cause. Go to hospital the same day if someone with a known high calcium becomes confused, very drowsy, is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, or has severe tummy pain, because a very high calcium is an emergency.
Treatment options
- Blood tests for calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and kidney function
- A urine calcium test, a bone density scan and a kidney scan
- Neck ultrasound and a parathyroid scan to find the overactive gland
- Parathyroidectomy, removing the overactive gland, which is the only cure
- Drinking plenty of water and regular blood tests for mild disease when surgery is not yet needed
- Medicines to lower calcium for people who cannot have surgery
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is this a thyroid problem?
No. The parathyroids are separate glands that sit behind the thyroid. Thyroid blood tests are usually normal in hyperparathyroidism.
Should I stop eating calcium?
Usually not. Cutting calcium from your diet does not fix an overactive gland and can make the bones weaker. Drink plenty of water and follow your doctor's advice.
Is the growth cancer?
Almost always not. Most cases come from a benign adenoma in one gland. Parathyroid cancer is rare.
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General Surgery in Lagos →General Surgery in Abuja →General Surgery in Port Harcourt →General Surgery in Jos →General Surgery in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Hyperparathyroidism. NHS. Patient information.
- Hyperparathyroidism (primary): diagnosis, assessment and initial management (NG132). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.