PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DISEASE COURSE

Abstract

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia in the outpatient setting and occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women, who represent the group at greatest risk for developing the disease. PHPT is characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), most often resulting from a single parathyroid adenoma. Elevated PTH levels disrupt calcium homeostasis by increasing bone resorption, enhancing renal calcium conservation, and stimulating the production of active vitamin D, which in turn promotes intestinal calcium absorption. Although the classical manifestations of PHPT have become less common due to earlier diagnosis and routine biochemical screening, many patients continue to experience subclinical skeletal involvement. Consequently, adverse effects on bone health may be observed even in individuals with apparently mild or asymptomatic disease.