Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

The parathyroids are four glands in the neck that produce parathyroid hormone to help control calcium metabolism in the body. The parathyroid hormone helps maintain blood calcium by regulating bone turnover, absorption of calcium from the gut, and excretion of calcium in the urine. The excessive production of this hormone is known as hyperparathyroidism. When this occurs in response to low blood calcium caused by another disorder such as lack of vitamin D, malnutrition, and chronic renal failure, the condition is called secondary hyperparathyroidism.