Blog

Read our blog to learn more about the latest advancements in hyperparathyroidism surgery. Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Babak Larian.

High Calcium in Your Blood: Could Your Parathyroid Be to Blame?

by Babak Larian | Parathyroid If your doctor is concerned that you have high calcium in your blood, you may feel confused. After all, many people — especially women — are encouraged to get more calcium, often through supplements. So how can high calcium levels in the blood suddenly be a problem? The answer lies in how your body regulates calcium, not how much you consume. A dangerously high increase in calcium levels in the blood — known as hypercalcemia — is a sign that something in your body’s internal balance isn’t

Read More »

Parathyroid Disease Explained: From Diagnosis to Life-Changing Treatment

Parathyroid disease is more common and more debilitating than most people realize. Yet it often goes undiagnosed for years, leaving people to live with vague but life-limiting parathyroid disease symptoms, like fatigue, brain fog, or bone pain, with no clear explanation or effective treatment plan. Some are told it’s just part of aging. Others are treated for depression or osteoporosis without anyone checking their parathyroid health. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Parathyroid disease is significantly underdiagnosed, leading to needless suffering and frustration. But there

Read More »

What Are the Signs That Parathyroid Surgery Is Needed?

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid You haven’t felt like yourself for ages. You feel so drained, and the brain fog just won’t clear. Your lab work seems fine; you may have been told it was fine. Perhaps slightly elevated calcium levels, but how bad could that be, right? It’s been a long and frustrating road to a hyperparathyroidism diagnosis, and now, they say you need surgery? It’s a relief to finally get some answers, but do you really need parathyroid surgery?    It’s the right

Read More »

Hyperparathyroidism and Diabetes

by Babak Larian | Parathyroid Hyperparathyroidism and diabetes are two conditions that can significantly affect daily well-being and overall quality of life. While many patients suffer from either disease, a notable overlap exists between the two. Does hyperparathyroidism cause diabetes, or vice versa? What changes occur in diabetes management after treating hyperparathyroidism? Ongoing research continues to explore these questions, but current findings provide valuable insight for patients with a double diagnosis. The Connection Between Hyperparathyroidism and Diabetes The medical community has acknowledged a connection between hyperparathyroidism and

Read More »

Hyperparathyroidism and Gastrointestinal Disorders

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid Hyperparathyroidism is a challenging disease to diagnose due to its vague symptoms. Doctors often look at bone and joint pain and cognitive issues when considering hyperparathyroidism. However, many patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms. If hyperparathyroidism is the cause, surgical treatment often improves or reverses the digestive problems and other symptoms.

Read More »

An In-Depth Look at the Anatomy of the Throat and Neck

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid Because the parathyroid glands are located in the neck, any physician treating parathyroid problems must thoroughly understand the anatomy of the neck and throat. At the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Los Angeles, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of this complex part of the body. We find it helpful for our patients to understand the parts of the neck and throat. It’s also important to understand how the neck organs interact with and affect the rest of the body.  In this guide, we’ll

Read More »

Sestamibi Scan for Parathyroid Disease

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid A sestamibi scan is used to evaluate the function of the parathyroid glands; these four glands are located in the neck and help manage the body’s calcium levels. To better understand the impact of a sestamibi scan, let’s examine this parathyroid gland assessment in detail. What Is a Sestamibi Scan? A sestamibi scan was introduced in the 1990’s, and today, is used in hospitals around the world to help a doctor identify diseased parathyroid glands. With a sestamibi

Read More »

Hyperparathyroidism and Cardiovascular Disease

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) that goes undiagnosed and untreated can contribute to cardiovascular disease, aka heart disease. Comparatively, HPT that is addressed in its early stages may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or reverse its effects. What Is the Link Between Hyperparathyroidism and Cardiovascular Disease? Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels can contribute to HPT. Additionally, clinical research suggests that above-average PTH and calcium levels in HPT patients can cause cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm) and other cardiac abnormalities.

Read More »

Hyperparathyroidism and Osteoporosis: What’s The Connection?

by Dr. Babak Larian | Parathyroid Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) causes bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis over time. Brittle bones and a higher potential for fractures characterize osteoporosis. There is no cure for the disease, but treatments are available to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk. If hyperparathyroidism is present, hyperparathyroidism treatment is the priority to eliminate the primary bone loss cause. Bone Remodeling, Hyperparathyroidism, and Osteoporosis The link between HPT and osteoporosis can be traced to how bones develop. Bones begin as cartilage

Read More »

Primary Hyperparathyroidism During Pregnancy

Hyperparathyroidism presents unique challenges during pregnancy that can impact the lives and health of a mother and baby. Fortunately, the incidence of hyperparathyroidism in pregnant women is relatively small, affecting less than one percent of the entire population. However, as women are having babies later in life, the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy could rise since the condition tends to strike older women. Hyperparathyroidism may lead to dangerous complications both during pregnancy and after the baby is born. When

Read More »

UK NICE Guidelines for Treatment of PHPT Explained

Because the symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are often similar to symptoms of a host of other medical conditions, PHPT may go undiagnosed. To help address this issue, the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) developed a series of guidelines to aid in diagnosing PHPT. The NICE 2019 Guidelines exist to aid medical providers in diagnosing & treating primary hyperparathyroidism. The NICE Guidelines can also help people struggling with symptoms of PHPT, along with families or

Read More »

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at +1-310-461-0300.