Symptoms — 'Bones, Stones, Groans, Psychiatric Overtones'
| Category | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bones | Bone pain, osteoporosis, fractures |
| Stones | Kidney stones (recurrent) |
| Groans | Abdominal pain, constipation, peptic ulcers, pancreatitis |
| Psychiatric overtones | Depression, fatigue, poor concentration, confusion |
Diagnostic Pattern
| Test | Finding in Primary Hyperparathyroidism |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Elevated |
| PTH | Elevated or inappropriately normal (should be suppressed if calcium is high) |
| Vitamin D | Often checked to exclude deficiency as alternative explanation |
| 24-hour urine calcium | Helps distinguish from familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (a benign genetic mimic) |
Treatment
Parathyroidectomy (surgical removal of the overactive gland) is curative and recommended for symptomatic patients or those meeting specific criteria (significantly high calcium, kidney stones, osteoporosis, age under 50). Mild, asymptomatic cases may be monitored without immediate surgery.Many Cases Are Found IncidentallyWith calcium now commonly included in routine blood panels, hyperparathyroidism is increasingly diagnosed incidentally in people with mild or no symptoms — decisions about whether to treat mild cases involve weighing surgical risks against long-term monitoring.
Is hyperparathyroidism the same as thyroid disease?
No — despite similar names, the parathyroid glands (four small glands near the thyroid) regulate calcium, while the thyroid gland regulates metabolism through different hormones. They're distinct conditions requiring different tests and treatments.
Can hyperparathyroidism be treated without surgery?
For mild, asymptomatic cases, monitoring without surgery is often appropriate. Medications (cinacalcet) can help control calcium in those unsuitable for surgery, but surgery remains the only curative treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.