Should I Still Go Ahead With Surgery For Hyperparathyroidism Even Though It Won't Resolve Hair Loss And Nail Breakage Issues?

Posted on Fri, 20 Oct 2023

Question: I've been tested and diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism (with nodules). I have surgery scheduled in a couple of months. My Dr said it may not improve the symptoms I'm having. Like brittle hair and nails, hair loss and most of all debilitating fatigue that totally ruins lifes everyday activities...Is that true??? If so why should I go through with the darn surgery? I'm so confused!!

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About hyperparathyroidism;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I can understand your concern.
Hyperparathyroidism causes high calcium levels in blood and osteoporosis.
High calcium levels is associated with lots of symptoms such as: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, arythmia, kidney stones and alteration in kidney function.
For patients over 60 years, there are some specific criteria (very high calcium levels, osteoporosis, altered renal function due to high calcium level ect) when intervention is indicated and of course you fulfil them as your doctor has suggested intervention.
Of course, many of the symptoms will get improved when calcium levels get back to normal, some of them may persist, but the intervention consists in preventing serious side effects that high calcium can cause.
So the benefits would be greater than the risk, when we decide intervention for hyperparathyroidism.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad