This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What does the parathyroid do?

The parathyroid glands are four small glands behind the thyroid that secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is a key regulator of serum calcium: it raises calcium by stimulating bone resorption, increasing kidney reabsorption of calcium, and promoting activation of vitamin D to enhance intestinal calcium absorption. Disruption in PTH production — too much or too little — upsets calcium homeostasis and can affect bones, kidneys, nerves, and the cardiovascular system.

Parathyroid disorders include primary hyperparathyroidism (often from a benign adenoma), secondary hyperparathyroidism (a response to low calcium or chronic kidney disease), and hypoparathyroidism (insufficient PTH). Each has distinct diagnostic and treatment pathways handled by medical specialists.

How does calcium affect the body?

Calcium is essential for nerve signaling, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and bone structure. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated; small changes can produce noticeable clinical effects. Low calcium (hypocalcemia) often causes tingling, muscle cramps, and, in severe cases, muscle spasms or cardiac effects. High calcium (hypercalcemia) can lead to fatigue, constipation, increased thirst, frequent urination, kidney stones, and cognitive changes.

Long-term calcium dysregulation also affects bone density. Chronic excess PTH can drive bone loss, while inadequate PTH or vitamin D deficiency can impair bone mineralization. Management focuses on restoring normal calcium while addressing underlying endocrine causes.

When should you seek medical evaluation?

Seek medical evaluation if you notice persistent symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, bone or joint pain, recurrent kidney stones, persistent abdominal pain, mood changes, or muscle twitching. Routine blood tests may reveal abnormal calcium or PTH levels even before strong symptoms develop. Primary care physicians can arrange initial bloodwork (serum calcium, albumin-corrected calcium, PTH, and vitamin D) and refer to endocrinology or local services in your area for further assessment.

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like osteoporosis, kidney damage, or severe neuromuscular symptoms. If blood tests show significant hypercalcemia or severe hypocalcemia, urgent medical assessment is warranted.

What are common symptoms to know about?

Symptoms can be subtle. In hyperparathyroidism, common complaints include weakness, fatigue, bone pain, depression, and gastrointestinal issues (nausea, constipation). Kidney stones and polyuria are notable signs of persistent high calcium. In hypoparathyroidism, look for numbness or tingling around the mouth and in the extremities, muscle cramps, and, less commonly, seizures or cardiac rhythm changes.

Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, laboratory confirmation is essential. Your medical team will interpret calcium alongside PTH and other tests to determine whether symptoms are likely caused by a parathyroid disorder.

What are typical medical tests and treatments?

Diagnosis starts with blood tests: total and ionized calcium, PTH, vitamin D, and renal function. Imaging to localize a parathyroid adenoma may include ultrasound or nuclear medicine scans; choices depend on clinical context and local services. Bone density testing evaluates skeletal impact.

Treatment varies: for many with mild primary hyperparathyroidism, monitoring is appropriate. Surgery to remove an overactive parathyroid gland (parathyroidectomy) is the definitive treatment for many symptomatic patients or those meeting specific medical criteria. Medical options — for those who cannot or choose not to have surgery — may include medications to control calcium or protect bone, such as bisphosphonates or calcimimetics in selected situations. Hypoparathyroidism treatment commonly involves oral calcium and active vitamin D analogs; severe cases may require intravenous calcium temporarily or specialized therapies managed by endocrinologists.

Lifestyle, monitoring, and health maintenance

Lifestyle measures support treatment: stay hydrated to reduce kidney stone risk, avoid excessive calcium or vitamin D supplements unless directed, and follow bone-healthy habits such as weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation, and moderated alcohol use. Regular follow-up with blood testing helps monitor calcium, renal function, and bone density over time. If you’re referred for surgery or specialist care, ask about providers and local services in your area and what preoperative testing they require.

Work with your medical team to develop a monitoring plan tailored to your diagnosis, symptom severity, and overall health.

Conclusion

Parathyroid disorders alter calcium regulation and can affect multiple organ systems, but many cases are diagnosable and manageable with appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up. Understanding common symptoms, the role of PTH and calcium, and the typical diagnostic and treatment options will help you communicate effectively with healthcare providers and access suitable local services. If you suspect a problem, early laboratory evaluation by a medical professional is the best first step.