Hyperparathyroidism

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you and your doctor have chosen to monitor, rather than treat, your hyperparathyroidism, the following suggestions can help prevent complications:

  • Monitor how much calcium and vitamin D you get in your diet. The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day for adults ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70. That calcium recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day if you're a woman age 51 or older or a man age 71 or older. The Institute of Medicine also recommends 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day for adults ages 19 to 70 and 800 IUs a day for adults age 71 and older. Talk to your doctor about dietary guidelines that are appropriate for you.
  • Drink plenty of water. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to lessen the risk of kidney stones.
  • Exercise regularly. Regular exercise, including strength training, helps maintain strong bones. Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise program is best for you.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking may increase bone loss as well as increase your risk of a number of serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit.
  • Avoid calcium-raising drugs. Certain medications, including some diuretics and lithium, can raise calcium levels. If you take such drugs, ask your doctor whether another medication may be appropriate for you.
References
  1. Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm. Accessed March 3, 2011.
  2. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
  3. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Clinical manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
  4. Potts JT. Diseases of the parathyroid gland and other hyper- and hypocalcemic disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2903222&searchStr=hyperparathyroidism#2903222. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  5. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Pathogenesis and etiology of primary hyperthyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
  6. Fitzgerald PA. Hyperparathyroidism. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. 50th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=14894&searchStr=hyperparathyroidism. Accessed March 1, 2011.
  7. Silverstein SJ. Management of primary hyperthyroidism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2011.
  8. Estrogen and progestin combination (Ovarian hormone therapy) (Oral route). Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed March 3, 2011.
  9. Bisphosphonates. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed March 3, 2011.
  10. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin D. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-QuickFacts. Accessed March 3, 2011.
  11. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-QuickFacts. Accessed March 3, 2011.
DS00396 May 13, 2011

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