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Parathyroid Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Endocrine System

Parathyroid Disorders

Parathyroid disorders occur when the glands produce too much or too little hormone, disrupting the body's essential balance of calcium and phosphorus.

Overview

Most people have four pea-sized glands, called parathyroid glands, located on the thyroid gland in the neck. Although their names are similar, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are completely different organs. The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps the body maintain the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus.

Types of Parathyroid Disorders

When parathyroid glands produce too much or too little hormone, this balance is disrupted. The two primary conditions are:

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the glands secrete extra PTH, causing blood calcium levels to rise. Common causes include:

  • A benign tumor on a parathyroid gland that makes it overactive (the most common cause)
  • Enlarged parathyroid glands
  • Cancer (very rare)

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when there is not enough PTH. This results in blood levels that have too little calcium and too much phosphorus. Causes include:

  • Injury to the glands
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Genetic conditions

Treatment & Management

Treatment for parathyroid disorders is aimed at restoring the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early hyperparathyroidism is often called a "silent" disease because symptoms can be vague and attributed to aging or stress. Common early signs include unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain or tenderness, and frequent kidney stones. Some patients also experience mood changes, such as depression or irritability, and digestive issues like constipation or nausea. Because these symptoms are non-specific, many people are diagnosed incidentally when routine blood tests reveal elevated calcium levels, even before they feel physically ill.
While most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are sporadic (not inherited), about 10 to 15 percent are associated with genetic syndromes such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 1 or 2. If you have a family history of parathyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, or pituitary tumors, or if you develop parathyroid issues at a young age (under 50), genetic counseling and testing are recommended. Identifying a genetic cause can help screen other family members for related endocrine conditions and guide long-term monitoring strategies.
Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes the body to pull calcium from bones to maintain blood levels, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. This condition, known as osteitis fibrosa cystica in severe cases, can cause significant bone thinning. The good news is that bone density often improves after successful surgical removal of the overactive gland. Studies show that bone mineral density can increase significantly within the first year post-surgery, though the rate of recovery varies based on the severity and duration of the disorder.
Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by the parathyroid glands themselves producing too much hormone, usually due to a benign tumor, leading to high blood calcium. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the glands overproduce PTH in response to another condition, most commonly chronic kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency. In secondary cases, blood calcium levels are typically normal or low, and the high PTH is a compensatory mechanism. Treating the underlying cause, such as improving kidney function or supplementing vitamin D, is the primary approach for secondary hyperparathyroidism, whereas surgery is often the treatment for primary cases.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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