DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My annual physical examination always goes without a hitch. This year it didn’t. I don’t feel bad, and I take no medicines. I am a 54-year-old woman with three healthy children. My parents are both alive and well. I have never had a major illness.

My doctor thinks I have parathyroid gland trouble because my blood calcium is on the high side. I would deeply appreciate information about this. — N.D.

A: Four pea-size parathyroid glands are stuck to the back of the thyroid gland in the neck. Their proximity to the thyroid gland gave them the name parathyroid.

These glands regulate the blood level of calcium. When blood calcium dips low, the glands secrete parathyroid hormone, which tells bone to release calcium. Bones are the body’s calcium bank. When blood calcium normalizes, hormone secretion stops.

When one or more of these glands takes matters into its own hands and continues parathyroid production even when blood calcium is normal, trouble arises. Blood calcium level rises.

With mild calcium elevation, most people have no symptoms. The elevation was detected only by chance when routine lab tests were done. At higher blood calcium levels, ulcers can form, and kidney stones are common. People complain of nausea, loss of appetite and constipation. They drink enormous quantities of water and put out large volumes of urine. Bone pain and bone fractures occur.

People with slightly high calcium elevations and without any symptoms usually require no treatment. They can be watched. For the few with symptoms, surgical removal of the misbehaving gland effects a cure.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers also may order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

c. North America Syndicate