What Causes Hypercalcemia?

Overactive Parathyroid Glands

The body has four small parathyroid glands located in the neck near the main thyroid gland. One of the functions of the parathyroid glands is the regulation of calcium in the blood, so when these glands are not working properly, high calcium levels often result. Overactive parathyroid glands are also called hyperparathyroidism. One or more of the four parathyroid glands can be involved, enlarging and overproducing hormones which affect calcium levels. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is another disease involving the parathyroid glands. It begins by lowering calcium levels but later results in overactive parathyroid hormone production and hypercalcemia. Doctors sometimes remove the parathyroid glands to stop these symptoms.

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