SHPT Is a Major Complication of CKD
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has a long name and involves complex changes within the body, so it can feel hard to understand. But the basic idea is simple: a lack of balance within body systems. Too little of one thing leads to too much of another. Too much of one thing leads to too little of another.
Understanding SHPT
In people with CKD, kidney function is reduced. Having kidneys that don’t work well can lead to imbalances in hormones and minerals.
In people with CKD, kidney function is reduced. Having kidneys that don’t work well can lead to imbalances in hormones and minerals.
The thyroid is a gland in the neck. Behind the thyroid are 4 smaller glands, called parathyroid glands. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH).
PTH helps balance several hormones and minerals through your kidneys, bones, and other organs. Hyperparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands make too much PTH. Excess PTH prevents your body from balancing minerals and hormones correctly.
SHPT is a type of hyperparathyroidism caused by something outside of the parathyroid glands. CKD is one possible cause. SHPT causes imbalances in PTH, calcium, and phosphorus. This is often accompanied by low levels of vitamin D.
SHPT is a type of hyperparathyroidism caused by something outside of the parathyroid glands. CKD is one possible cause. SHPT causes imbalances in PTH, calcium, and phosphorus. This is often accompanied by low levels of vitamin D.
SHPT and CKD
SHPT is common in people with CKD. In fact, of people with stage 3 CKD, 2 out of 5 develop SHPT. And of people with stage 4 CKD, 4 out of 5 develop SHPT.
Healthcare providers who treat CKD monitor for SHPT. This involves checking blood levels and watching for some of the symptoms of SHPT.
Watch this video to learn more about SHPT and how Rayaldee® (calcifediol) may help. Ver en español.
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Watch this video to learn more about SHPT and how Rayaldee® (calcifediol) may help. Ver en español. |
Symptoms of SHPT
Often, SHPT can be a silent disease, and people who have an SHPT diagnosis may never have symptoms.
Symptoms of SHPT may include
- Pain near the stomach
- Pain in bones or joints
- Feeling tired or low on energy
Symptoms of SHPT may range from mild to severe. If left untreated, SHPT can cause serious health problems, such as issues with your bones or heart. |
To monitor for SHPT or its progress, your healthcare provider will check levels in your blood of
- Vitamin D
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Calcium
- Phosphorus

Talk with your healthcare provider.
Discuss your possible risk for SHPT, and let your healthcare provider know how you feel. The symptoms of SHPT can be mild. Your healthcare provider will be better able to help if they understand how you feel.

Treating SHPT
The symptoms of SHPT are often mild. So why treat it?
Without treatment, SHPT can get worse and become more difficult to treat.
Untreated SHPT can lead to serious health issues.
SHPT can lead to
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Bone fractures
Effective treatment for SHPT may help people who have a diagnosis of SHPT and stage 3 or 4 CKD and low vitamin D levels.
Learn about RayaldeeRayaldee® (calcifediol) extended-release capsules is an oral treatment approved to treat the imbalances noted in SHPT.
Rayaldee has not been proven to completely get rid of vitamin D insufficiency nor control secondary hyperparathyroidism. Rayaldee has not been proven to reduce the risk of metabolic bone disease, calcification of cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular tissues, or cardiovascular disease.