Hyperparathyroidism is when the calcium levels in your blood and tissues are too high.
It happens when your parathyroid glands too much of a chemical called parathyroid hormone. The hormone can cause hyperparathyroidism in three ways. It can tell your:
- Bones to release some calcium
- Small intestine to absorb more calcium into your bloodstream
- Kidneys to hang on to more calcium instead of sending it out of your body in your pee