Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

The parathyroid glands are located in the neck and produce parathyroid hormone to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Calcium and phosphorus are ions that are important for the function of every cell in the body.  Therefore, an imbalance in these levels from a poorly functioning gland can cause a multitude of problems. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes hyperactive and secretes too much parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone then causes the calcium level in the blood to increase. 

When the body has too much calcium, symptoms develop due to dysfunction of several organs.  Kidney stones are more likely to develop when calcium levels are high. Symptoms of kidney stones include pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin and sometimes nausea. Elevated calcium can also cause symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or loss of appetite due to disruption of the digestive system and intestines.

One of the way that parathyroid hormone increases calcium levels is by removing calcium from the bones. When calcium is removed from bones, the bones loose some of their strength and are more prone to fracture. Pain in the bones, especially the bones of the arms and legs may be a symptom of hyperparathyroidism.

Muscles, including the muscle of the heart, rely on calcium to function properly. Thus, hyperparathyroidism can lead to muscle weakness. Cardiovascular problems may also develop such as irregular heart beat (cardiac arrhythmia) and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hyperparathyroidism often causes fatigue and tiredness symptoms. Confusion, memory loss, irritability, and depression may also be related to elevated calcium.  It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by a multitude of diseases and disorder.  It is important to receive a complete evaluation by a doctor to rule out other causes of symptoms. Otolaryngologists are doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the head and neck. Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the medical treatment of disorders in the glands of the body. After a thorough evaluation and laboratory testing, one of these doctors can determine whether abnormal parathyroid glands may be the cause of symptoms.