What causes high parathyroid hormone levels?

In general, elevated parathyroid hormone levels are mainly associated with physiological regulation, calcium deficiency, chronic renal failure, parathyroid hyperplasia, and uremia. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific causes are as follows:

1. Physiological Regulation

During the body's physiological regulation process, thyroid hormones or growth hormones may be relatively insufficient, leading to elevated parathyroid hormone levels. This is a normal physiological phenomenon; once these related hormones return to normal levels, parathyroid hormone levels will gradually normalize as well.

2. Calcium Deficiency

Poor habits such as regularly drinking strong tea or carbonated beverages may impair the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body, resulting in calcium loss. Calcium deficiency can stimulate the parathyroid glands to secrete more parathyroid hormone to promote calcium absorption and release calcium from bones. Adequate intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk and fish, along with appropriate outdoor exercise and increased sun exposure, can help enhance calcium absorption and utilization.

3. Chronic Renal Failure

Renal artery stenosis or renal vein thrombosis may impair blood supply and drainage to the kidneys, leading to chronic renal failure. Patients often exhibit lower-than-normal blood calcium levels, which may stimulate the parathyroid glands to increase parathyroid hormone secretion. Symptoms may include nausea, bone demineralization, and muscle cramps. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as sodium bicarbonate injection, Bailing capsules, or Jinshuibao capsules for treatment.

4. Parathyroid Hyperplasia

Excessive activity of parathyroid cells may lead to parathyroid hyperplasia, causing overproduction of parathyroid hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, osteoporosis, and urinary tract stones. Under medical guidance, patients may undergo parathyroidectomy—surgical removal of the hyperplastic parathyroid tissue—to reduce or stop excessive hormone secretion.

5. Uremia

Poor lifestyle habits such as long-term heavy smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to toxin accumulation in the body, increasing the burden on the kidneys and impairing kidney function, thereby triggering uremia. Impaired kidney function may result in decreased blood calcium levels, stimulating increased secretion of parathyroid hormone. Patients require hemodialysis under medical supervision: blood is removed from the body, filtered through a dialysis machine to remove metabolic waste and toxins, and then returned to the body, achieving therapeutic effects.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in moderate outdoor physical activity, and increasing sun exposure can help promote calcium absorption.