Treatment

1. What is the best treatment for PHP?

Surgical removal, or parathyroidectomy, is the only known cure for PHPPHP - primary hyperparathyroidism and is currently the best treatment. In the hands of an experienced endocrine surgeon, success (cure) rates approach 95-98%. Medications such as estrogen and bisphosphonates will NOT cure primary hyperparathyroidism but may decrease calcium or PTH levels and improve bone density. A new type of medication called calcimimetics (i.e. Sensipar, Cinacalcet) may lower blood calcium levels and PTH levels, but they are not currently approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in primary hyperparathyroidism and will NOT cure the disease. These medications have not been studied to determine whether or not they help decrease effects on other systems in the body or whether they improve the more subjective symptoms of PHP (depression, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, insomnia, constipation). (see What are the alternatives to surgery)