Parathyroidectomy: What It Is, Why It's Done, and What to Expect
When your parathyroidectomy, the surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands. Also known as parathyroid surgery, it's often the only way to fix dangerously high calcium levels caused by overactive glands. These tiny glands—usually four, behind your thyroid—control how much calcium is in your blood. If they go haywire, you don’t just get weak bones or kidney stones. You might feel tired all the time, have trouble concentrating, or even develop heart rhythm problems. A hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone is the most common reason for this surgery. It’s not rare—about 100,000 people in the U.S. get diagnosed each year, and many don’t even know they have it until a routine blood test shows high calcium.
Not everyone with high calcium needs surgery, but if your levels are way above normal, or if you have kidney damage, bone loss, or symptoms like nausea, frequent urination, or depression, a parathyroid gland, a small endocrine gland that regulates calcium balance in the body removal becomes the best option. The surgery itself is usually quick—under an hour—and most people go home the same day. Surgeons use imaging like ultrasound or sestamibi scans to find the problem gland before cutting. In some cases, they remove just one swollen gland. In others, especially with inherited conditions, they take out three and a half glands, leaving behind just enough to keep calcium stable. Recovery is fast, but you’ll need to watch your calcium levels closely for a few days afterward. Some people get temporary low calcium, which means taking supplements. Others feel better instantly—no more bone pain, no more brain fog.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just medical jargon. It’s real talk from people who’ve been through this, doctors who explain what happens before and after, and clear comparisons between treatment options. You’ll see how calcium levels, the amount of calcium circulating in the bloodstream, critical for nerve and muscle function tie into everything from kidney health to mental clarity. You’ll learn why some patients avoid surgery for years—and when waiting becomes risky. There’s no fluff. Just facts, experiences, and practical steps to help you understand if parathyroidectomy is right for you—or someone you care about.
