parathyroidectomy can this halt osteoporosis

[I60APOI]

Hi I have osteoporosis which was diagnosed following breaking my ankle. I was then diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism following high calcium in bloods. I had a parathyroidectomy following which calcium levels returned to normal in blood. My surgeon told me that the operation should also halt my osteoporosis.

Has anyone else had this advice given to them?

[Met00]

I've read that this is definitely a possibility and that, for this reason, it's worth waiting a year or two after the parathyroidectomy to monitor bone health, rather than simply prescribing osteoporosis medication. Not all doctors follow this advice.

[I60APOI in reply to Met00]

Thanks for your response, I have also started alendronate acid which I have been advised to take for 5 years.

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi,

Welcome to our community, thank you for joining us here We just wanted to let you know that we do have a factsheet on hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis that might feel helpful, you can find it here: strwebprdmedia.blob.core.wi...

We also have other information and support for living with osteoporosis here: theros.org.uk/information-a...

We hope you find the support you're looking for and continue to connect with our wonderful members.

All the very best,

ROS Moderator

[Capan24]

I had primary hyperparathyroidism with 2 parathyroid glands removed due to adenomas. I was told that my bone health would also improve. They also told me I should take calcium supplements daily. But two years after the surgery when I had my dexa scan it did not improve but got a little worse. I think there are other factors that are involved with your bone health. Some factors might be genetics , if you are small framed and have less bone density, or certain medications that you take, other health conditions that can influence bone health. The reduction of estrogen in post menopausal women also affects bones. I am all of the above and take thyroid medication. So every time I have gone for a dexa bone scan it has gotten a little worse. I am due for one this August. I have made some changes in my lifestyle by adding supplements, Citrical maximum plus and vitamin K2. Also have been lifting weights three times a week. Hoping this will make a difference on the next scan I don't decline further. I think if my hyperparathyroidism went undetected and I never had the surgery I probably would have fractured something by now. So to some degree I think it stopped me from getting worse.

[I60APOI in reply to Capan24]

Thank you that's very helpful. I agree with you that other factors may be involved. Hopefully when I get another dexa it will not show too much of a decline. Like you I have started strength training with weights to try and improve bone health.

Good luck with your next dexa.

[Fran57]

Hello.

I, too, was (very surprisingly)diagnosed with osteoporosis, after I fractured my pelvis.

I was just told to take medication, but I researched it myself and found out about hyperparathyroidism, which I had!

The surgeon who removed the affected gland ( only one in my case, but my first ever operation 😳) said that no amount of medication would have made any difference whilst the hyperparathyroidism was there… glad I did the research!

I have chosen, again after lots of research, (for now, at least) not to take any medication, but I eat well and do a reasonable amount of exercise ( and cross my fingers!)

Good luck to you.

Fran 😉

[I60APOI in reply to Fran57]

Thanks Fran, I do also think the hyperparathyroidism does have to be addressed to improve outcomes. Will continue with medication for now but it is definitely a personal choice.

Good luck your journey.

[Southerngirl2787]

Yes, it's true. Mine was stopped and even reversed....for a while. I didn't know I had severe damage, from years of that nasty tumor. I wish I had known that getting on Tymlos would have helped the healing/restoring of density faster. My hands/wrists were severely damaged, nerves, more nerve issues in legs, tibia nerve transfers both legs, 10 spinal fractures now, 4 fusions, it's a mess. Neurosurgeon said not to take any bisphosphonate drug, they are not good for bone healing, disrupt the natural bone process.

[I60APOI in reply to Southerngirl2787]

Thanks for your reply, I hope things improve for you.