Parathyroid Hyperfunction (Hyperparathyroidism): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate primary hyperparathyroidism:

Kidney-related (40-50%)

  • Functional disturbances (reversible/reversible).
    • Electrolyte loss
    • Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)
    • Hyposthenuria (reduced concentration performance of the kidneys).
    • Polydipsia (abnormally increased thirst).
    • Polyuria (abnormally increased urine output)
  • Decompensation in parathyrotoxic crisis.
    • In advanced stages: oliguria (< 500 ml urine/24 hrs) → anuria (< 100 ml urine/24 hrs) → renal insufficiency (renal weakness).
  • Organ manifestation
    • Nephrocalcinosis (calcifications in the kidneys) (rare).
    • Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) (common: 20% of cases) – calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones → colicky (aching) pain.

Bone related (50%).

  • Functional disorders (reversible)
    • Fractures (bone fractures)
    • Spinal and limb pain
  • Organ manifestation
    • Acroosteolysis (“bone loss”) in the hands and feet.
    • Chondrocalcinosis (synonym: pseudogout).
    • Osteodystrophia cystica generalisata von Recklinghausen (bled resorption cysts = brown tumors) (rather rare).
    • Subperiosteal resorption lacunae (protrusions located below the periosteum on bone surfaces).

Concerning the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) (50%).

  • Functional disorders (reversible)
    • Emesis (vomiting)
    • Anorexia (loss of appetite)
    • Meteorism (flatulence)
    • Nausea (nausea)
    • Constipation (constipation)
    • Increased enzyme production in the pancreas (pancreas).
    • Increased acid production in the stomach
  • Decompensation in parathyrotoxic crisis.
    • Emesis
    • Constipation
  • Organ manifestation

Psyche and nervous system related

  • Functional disorders (reversible)
    • Adynamia (reduced performance, fatigue, lack of drive).
    • Cephalgia (headache)
    • Depressive mood
    • Myopathy (muscle pain)
    • Reflex attenuation
    • Rapid fatigability
  • Decompensation in parathyroid toxic crisis.
    • Adynamia
    • Coma
    • Myopathy
    • Paresis (paralysis)
    • Reflex loss
    • Somnolence (drowsiness)

Concerning the circulatory system

  • Functional disorder (reversible)
    • Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure)
    • Calcifications (calcifications) of soft tissues, organs and vessels.

Note: Only about 50% of affected individuals have symptoms.

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate secondary hyperparathyroidism:

  • Symptoms of the underlying disease.
  • Spinal and limb pain
  • Tendency to spontaneous fractures (bone fracture that occurs spontaneously that is, without trauma/injury).
  • In hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency; calcium levels may also be normal): muscle cramps.

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate tertiary hyperparathyroidism: