Parathyroidectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands—tiny but powerful glands located in the neck behind the thyroid. These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a critical role in regulating the body’s calcium and phosphate levels.
When the parathyroid glands become overactive, they produce too much PTH, a condition known as hyperparathyroidism. This hormonal imbalance leads to high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can affect bones, kidneys, muscles, and even mental health. While not every case of hyperparathyroidism requires surgery, many do—especially when the symptoms begin to interfere with day-to-day life or cause serious health concerns.
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Parathyroidectomy Surgery
Before diving into the symptoms, it’s important to understand the basic types of hyperparathyroidism, as this helps explain why symptoms occur and when surgery is recommended.
Recognizing the symptoms indicating the need for parathyroidectomy surgery is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a problem within one or more parathyroid glands themselves—usually a benign tumor (adenoma) that triggers overproduction of PTH.
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism results from another condition, often chronic kidney disease, which leads to low calcium levels and overcompensation by the parathyroid glands.
- Tertiary hyperparathyroidism usually occurs when secondary hyperparathyroidism becomes persistent and unresponsive to medical treatment, especially after a kidney transplant.
While surgery is not always required for every case, it is the only definitive cure for primary hyperparathyroidism and is often necessary in advanced secondary or tertiary cases.
Common Symptoms Indicating the Need for Parathyroidectomy Surgery
Some people with parathyroid disorders have no symptoms at all, and their condition is discovered during routine blood tests. However, many patients do experience a variety of signs—some mild, others quite severe. Below are the most common symptoms that may indicate it’s time to consider parathyroidectomy.
Following are the Symptoms Indicating the need for Parathyroidectomy Surgery
Persistent Fatigue and Lack of Energy
One of the most frequent complaints among individuals with hyperparathyroidism is a chronic sense of tiredness. This isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it’s a deeper, more persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. People often describe it as being “exhausted for no reason.”
If you’ve ruled out other causes such as poor sleep, anemia, or thyroid disorders, and fatigue remains constant, it could be linked to elevated calcium levels caused by overactive parathyroid glands.
Bone Pain and Fragile Bones
Parathyroid hormone pulls calcium from bones to maintain blood calcium levels. Over time, this process leads to weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, and conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis.
People may begin to experience:
- Aching in bones or joints
- Increased vulnerability to fractures from minor falls or trauma
- Loss of height or stooped posture in advanced cases
A bone density test (DEXA scan) can reveal early bone loss. If it’s determined that the parathyroid glands are the cause, surgery is often recommended to protect bone health long-term.
Kidney Stones or Kidney Dysfunction
Excess calcium in the bloodstream can filter through the kidneys and lead to calcium-based kidney stones. These stones are painful and can cause blockage, infections, or even long-term kidney damage if left untreated.
Signs that point to kidney involvement include:
- Sharp, cramping pain in the lower back or abdomen
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent or painful urination
- History of recurrent kidney stones
Parathyroidectomy can reduce the risk of further stones and help preserve kidney function.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Although not as well-known, digestive symptoms are a common part of hyperparathyroidism and may be overlooked or misattributed to other issues.
These may include:
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Heartburn or acid reflux
In some cases, very high calcium levels can lead to peptic ulcers or pancreatitis, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential.
Cognitive and Emotional Changes
Calcium imbalance can affect brain function, leading to what is often described as “brain fog.” Patients may experience:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Slower thinking
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritability or mood swings
These changes can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and may improve dramatically after surgical treatment.
Muscle Weakness and Cramping
Many patients report general muscle weakness or aching, especially in the arms and legs. Cramping and twitching muscles are also frequently associated with imbalanced calcium and phosphate levels.
This symptom may make routine tasks like climbing stairs or lifting objects more difficult, leading to a decrease in daily activity and increased fatigue.
Elevated Blood Calcium Levels
Sometimes, symptoms may be subtle or even absent, but routine blood work reveals elevated calcium levels. If these elevated levels persist and are accompanied by high PTH, surgery is often recommended—even in the absence of severe symptoms.
According to clinical guidelines, parathyroidectomy is strongly considered when blood calcium is more than 1 mg/dL above the upper limit of normal, especially in people under age 50 or those with complications like bone loss or kidney issues.
Increased Urination and Dehydration
High calcium levels can interfere with the kidneys’ ability to concentrate urine, leading to frequent urination and subsequent dehydration. This, in turn, can worsen fatigue and cause electrolyte imbalances.
People may also experience increased thirst, especially during nighttime, which disrupts sleep and adds to daytime exhaustion.
High Blood Pressure or Cardiac Symptoms
Although less direct, some studies suggest a link between hyperparathyroidism and high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or calcification of blood vessels. These effects may place added strain on the cardiovascular system.
If you’re already managing heart-related conditions, it’s important to consider how elevated PTH levels and calcium imbalances may be influencing your cardiovascular health.
When to Speak with a Specialist
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and have been diagnosed with elevated calcium or parathyroid hormone levels, it may be time to consult with an endocrinologist or endocrine surgeon.
They will assess:
- Your full medical history
- Blood calcium, PTH, and vitamin D levels
- Bone density and kidney function
- Imaging to locate abnormal parathyroid glands
Conclusion
Parathyroid disorders can quietly impact every part of your life—from your energy and mood to your bones and kidneys. Unfortunately, because symptoms can be vague or overlap with other conditions, many people live for years without a proper diagnosis or treatment plan.
If you’re dealing with unexplained fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, memory issues, or elevated calcium levels, don’t ignore the signs. These may be your body’s way of signaling that your parathyroid glands are not functioning properly—and that surgery might be the most effective solution.
