#United States #Tampa #ANY LAB TEST NOW #Norman Parathyroid Center #Hyperparathyroidism

Introduction

The Norman Parathyroid Center, located at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery, has made a significant advancement in the medical community by introducing the first-ever Hyperparathyroidism Awareness Day. Coinciding with Parathyroid Awareness Month, this initiative aims to shine a light on the often-misunderstood condition of hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, the center has announced a national partnership with Any Lab Test Now to facilitate greater access to essential diagnostic testing for this prevalent but frequently overlooked endocrine disorder, particularly affecting women over 50.

The Launch of Hyperparathyroidism Awareness Day

Set to be observed on July 22, this inaugural day will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of hyperparathyroidism—a condition that can lead to numerous health issues if left undiagnosed. Dr. Jim Norman, the founder of the Norman Parathyroid Center, expressed the necessity of recognizing this disorder, stating, "Hyperparathyroidism is incredibly common—especially in women—but it's frequently missed or dismissed." He added that many patients suffer unnecessarily due to misdiagnosis or a lack of proper laboratory orders to identify this condition.

The Collaboration with Any Lab Test Now

The partnership between the Norman Parathyroid Center and Any Lab Test Now acts as a proactive step toward diagnosing hyperparathyroidism earlier and more effectively. The initiative will offer a dedicated Parathyroid Health Panel at over 240 locations nationwide. This panel assesses blood calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels—two vital tests necessary for diagnosing hyperparathyroidism. With the ease of access, patients can undergo this simple testing without the need for a doctor's referral, thereby streamlining the process and encouraging proactive healthcare.

Understanding Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism typically arises from tumors on the parathyroid glands, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood, which may cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include:

• - Bone loss and osteoporosis
• - Kidney stones
• - Fatigue, brain fog, and memory issues
• - High blood pressure and heart palpitations
• - Mood changes, anxiety, and depression

Due to the common misunderstanding that these symptoms are part of normal aging, many individuals may be told to simply "watch and wait," allowing their health to deteriorate further. However, the condition is curable via a minimally invasive outpatient surgery that removes the hyperactive glands. Remarkably, most patients report significant improvements in their health shortly after the procedure.

Common Misunderstandings

One of the significant barriers to proper diagnosis is the misunderstanding of lab values, specifically concerning calcium levels. Many labs mistakenly consider calcium levels up to 10.5 mg/dL as normal, while experts agree that any level above 10.0 mg/dL in adults over 40 is indicative of potential problems, often caused by parathyroid tumors. Recognizing this critical distinction can drastically change a patient’s quality of life, moving them from years of suffering to effective treatment and recovery.

Patient Experience and Success

Dr. Jamie Mitchell, the Medical Director of the Norman Parathyroid Center, emphasized the profound impact of treatment on patients’ lives, sharing, "We hear it all the time—patients say they feel 20 years younger after surgery." The center teams up with some of the most skilled parathyroid surgeons worldwide, boasting a remarkable cure rate of over 99%. With nearly 3,800 parathyroid surgeries performed each year, the center's approach focuses on teamwork and expertise to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

How to Get Involved

Patients interested in learning more about hyperparathyroidism should visit the dedicated website, parathyroidawareness.org. Those who receive abnormal lab results are encouraged to consult with the Norman Parathyroid Center for further evaluation and treatment. As there’s no referral needed, individuals can take proactive steps towards improving their health today.

Conclusion

The launch of Hyperparathyroidism Awareness Day and the collaboration with Any Lab Test Now represent a significant leap towards enhancing the understanding and diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. As awareness grows, the Norman Parathyroid Center strives to transform the lives of those impacted by this condition, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. As medical professionals continue to educate both the public and healthcare providers, significant changes in diagnostic approaches can be expected, leading to earlier interventions and improved patient outcomes.