Overview
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of the small parathyroid glands in the neck make too much parathyroid hormone, which raises calcium levels in the blood. It is often discovered on a routine blood test before symptoms appear. Over time high calcium can affect the bones, kidneys, and other systems, so it is worth evaluating.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms in the early stages
- Tiredness and weakness
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Bone or joint aches
- Kidney stones
- Abdominal pain, constipation, or nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or low mood
- Fragile bones or fractures over time
Causes & risk factors
- A benign growth on a parathyroid gland (most common)
- Enlargement of multiple parathyroid glands
- Low vitamin D or chronic kidney disease (secondary forms)
- Rarely, an inherited condition
- Rarely, a parathyroid tumour
Treatment & self-care
Care generally depends on calcium levels, symptoms, and effects on the bones and kidneys, and may range from monitoring with regular blood tests to surgery to remove the overactive gland. A clinician checks bone density and kidney health and advises on adequate fluids and vitamin D. A licensed clinician, often an endocrinologist or surgeon, should guide diagnosis and treatment.
See a doctor urgently if
- A blood test shows high calcium, or you have recurrent kidney stones or unexplained bone pain
- You have ongoing excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue
- Seek urgent care for confusion, severe weakness, severe vomiting, or irregular heartbeat, which can signal dangerously high calcium