Hyperparathyroidism: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 7/28/2021

Hyperparathyroidism refers to a condition in which there is overactivity of the parathyroid glands, four small glands located around the thyroid gland in the neck.

Hyperparathyroidism may lead to severe symptoms, mild symptoms, or may not cause symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they can include

Often, the symptoms are very nonspecific. Other associated symptoms and signs can include

Cause of hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a disorder of the parathyroid glands themselves. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign tumor (adenoma) on one of the glands that produces excess hormone. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a condition elsewhere in the body causes the glands to produce too much hormone.

Other hyperparathyroidism symptoms and signs

References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.