If you’ve been dealing with symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained bone pain, your parathyroid glands might be the cause—and you’re not alone. Parathyroid disease is often overlooked because its symptoms mimic those of other common conditions. But identifying the signs of parathyroid disease early can prevent long-term complications and help you feel like yourself again. Here’s what you need to know and when it’s time to talk to a specialist.

What Are the Parathyroid Glands?

Despite their name, the parathyroid glands have nothing to do with the thyroid. These four tiny glands are located behind the thyroid in your neck and are responsible for regulating calcium levels in your blood and bones. They do this by releasing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which tells your body when to release calcium from bones, absorb it from food, or reabsorb it through the kidneys.

When one or more of these glands become overactive—a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism—it can lead to abnormally high calcium levels, which affect nearly every system in your body.

Why Parathyroid Disease Is Often Missed

Parathyroid disorders develop slowly, and their symptoms can be vague. Many people are misdiagnosed or told they’re simply getting older, dealing with stress, or experiencing menopause. That’s why it’s so important to know the most common signs of parathyroid disease and advocate for proper testing if symptoms persist.

5 Key Signs of Parathyroid Disease to Watch For

1. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s rest, is one of the earliest and most overlooked signs. This fatigue often doesn’t improve with rest, exercise, or diet changes.

2. Bone Pain or Fractures

Excess PTH pulls calcium from your bones, making them weak and brittle. You might feel deep, aching bone pain or experience frequent fractures—even from minor injuries. Osteoporosis is common in patients with untreated parathyroid disease.

3. Kidney Stones

High calcium levels in the blood can lead to calcium buildup in the kidneys, resulting in stones. If you’ve had recurring kidney stones, it’s worth checking your parathyroid hormone and calcium levels.

4. Mood Changes and Memory Problems

Anxiety, depression, irritability, and brain fog are surprisingly common symptoms. If you’ve noticed emotional changes or trouble concentrating without a clear reason, these could be subtle signs of parathyroid disease.

5. Digestive Issues

Constipation, nausea, and loss of appetite may seem unrelated but are often tied to high calcium levels in the blood. Chronic indigestion can also appear in some cases.

How Parathyroid Disease Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis starts with a simple blood test to measure calcium and PTH levels. If both are elevated, that’s a red flag for hyperparathyroidism. Additional tests may include:

• Bone density scans to check for bone loss
• Kidney imaging to assess for stones or damage
• Ultrasound or Sestamibi scan to locate an overactive gland

If your lab work shows signs of imbalance—even if symptoms are mild—it’s time to ask your provider about the signs of parathyroid disease and whether you should see a specialist.

When to Consider Surgery

The most effective treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism is parathyroidectomy—a minimally invasive surgery to remove the overactive gland. Surgery is typically recommended if you:

• Have symptoms that affect your quality of life
• Are under 50 years old
• Have osteoporosis or a history of fractures
• Have kidney stones or reduced kidney function
• Show dangerously high calcium levels

At Surgical Associates of Tulsa, our team specializes in advanced parathyroid surgery with a focus on precision, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery.

What Happens If Parathyroid Disease Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring the signs of parathyroid disease can lead to serious complications. Long-term effects include:

• Severe osteoporosis and increased fracture risk
• Permanent kidney damage
• Declining cognitive function
• Increased risk of cardiovascular issues

The longer the disease goes untreated, the more damage it can do to your bones, kidneys, and mental health.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been experiencing unexplained fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, or changes in mood and memory, don’t overlook the possibility of parathyroid disease. These subtle symptoms often go undiagnosed, but identifying the signs of parathyroid disease early can lead to a complete cure. The expert team at Surgical Associates of Tulsa is here to guide you through diagnosis and treatment, offering advanced surgical care that gets you back to feeling your best. Reach out today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward recovery.