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How I discovered my parathyroid disease In the fall of 2022, I underwent surgery for hyperparathyroidism — a condition impacting the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body. I’m writing about this now because my story might help you. The number-one symptom of parathyroid problems is chronic fatigue. In my case, I thought I was just overworking myself.
high calcium levels in the blood. Contrary to common belief, hypercalcemia doesn’t strengthen bones. In fact, it weakens them by causing calcium to be dumped from the bones into the bloodstream. To get cured of my hyperparathyroidism, I had to have a quick surgery to remove benign tumors on the glands. It sounds scary, but it’s a pretty straightforward surgery. (I DEAR was able to make a video right PHARMACIST Differs from thyroid afterward; the video is posted By Suzy Cohen disease on my website.) The parathyroid and thyThough parathyroid disroid glands, despite their similar names, ease isn’t cancer, it does slightly increase are distinct. While the thyroid gland pri- cancer risks. The exact cause of this condimarily regulates thyroid hormones, our tion — specifically why a parathyroid cell four parathyroid glands control calcium forms a tumor — remains largely unand phosphorous levels, which are crucial for our muscular and nervous systems. Having a parathyroid condition does not have anything to do with thyroid disease, and having one disease doesn’t automatically make you susceptible to the other. Production of adequate parathyroid hormone (PTH) demands four healthy, functional glands. These glands regulate minerals, the same ones that keep your bones strong and your teeth healthy. They’re also the minerals that conduct heart rhythm and muscle contraction. Hyperparathyroidism results from a benign tumor in one or more parathyroid glands, leading to excessive PTH production and often causing hypercalcemia or
known. However, genetic predisposition is commonly observed. Hyperparathyroidism affects 1 in 80 people, with a higher incidence in women above 50 years of age.
High blood calcium is a warning Sadly, about 70% of patients remain unaware of their condition due to inadequate attention to detected high calcium levels. Most symptoms of hyperparathyroidism — like fatigue, insomnia, kidney stones and bone pain — are tied to hypercalcemia. The severity of symptoms depends more on the duration of elevated calcium levels rather than the extent of elevation. Surgical removal of the benign tumor is the standard treatment for hyperparathyroidism, restoring calcium balance and alleviating symptoms. This condition has a significant effect on a person’s life ex-
pectancy and overall health. Because I feel so much better now, I can’t emphasize the importance of prompt treatment if you have elevated PTH levels. Despite the challenges — and there were some — the surgery and recovery can immediately restore your health and vitality, as well as faster weight loss and stronger bones. If you’d like to read a longer article about my journey or watch my video, visit suzycohen.com. While you’re there, please sign up for my newsletter so we can stay in touch by email. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.
BEACON BITS
July 21
BUILD STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS
Make your relationships more meaningful, and learn to stay connected to yourself and others through awareness, effort and boundaries. This free online workshop takes place on Fri., July 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/RelationshipsWorkshop.
July 28
HONEY BEE TALK
Join Montgomery Parks on Fri., July 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for a talk by Phil Frank of Montgomery County Beekeepers Association examining what makes these pollinators essential. Admission is $10 and includes light refreshments, one alcoholic beverage, and admission to the Josiah Henson Museum, where the talk takes place. The address is 11410 Old Georgetown Rd., North Bethesda, MD. For more information and to register, visit montgomeryparks.org/events/foodie-fridays-the-bees-knees.
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More peace-o of-mind. We’re working every day to keep en nergy affordable for our customers and the communities we serve. If you need extra support, we can help with payment options and by connecting you to bill assistance programs. Learn more about this and other ways we’re delivering more peace-of-mind to our customers at pepco.com/MoreThanEnergy.