Parathyroid Disease Symptoms

Many times, parathyroid disease does not have symptoms in the early stages. When it does have symptoms, they vary from person to person. If you have symptoms, they will depend on the type of disorder you have.

Hyperparathyroidism symptoms

• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Bone or joint pain
• Constipation
• Anxiety or depression
• Kidney stones
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Broken bones
• Hypertension
• Heartburn
• Insomnia/difficulty sleeping

Parathyroid cancer symptoms

• Bone pain and broken bones
• Kidney stones
• Long-term increase in blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue, drowsiness
• Urinating more than usual, which may cause you to be dehydrated and very thirsty
• Constipation
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• On rare occasions, a lump in the neck
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Hypoparathyroidism symptoms

• Numbness and/or tingling in the fingers, toes or around the mouth
• Severe muscle cramps or spasms to the point of being immobile. This is a rare symptom and requires emergency medical attention.

Some cases of parathyroid disease can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.

Learn more about parathyroid disease diagnosis.