Parathyroid Disease and Its Symptoms 

Parathyroid disease can adversely affect your health and well-being. The symptoms are often subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions, which can lead to parathyroid issues frequently being undiagnosed.  

Here at Palmetto Endocrinology, we have extensive experience with this condition and aim to raise awareness about its significant indicators. Below are five primary symptoms to monitor. 

Muscle weakness 

Do you ever feel unusually weak, even without heavy physical exertion? For example, climbing stairs or lifting objects you once managed easily have become difficult. 

Your parathyroid glands help regulate calcium in your blood, so parathyroid disease can lead to hypercalcemia — too much calcium in the bloodstream. This excess calcium interferes with normal muscle function, resulting in persistent weakness.  

Pay attention to symptoms that appear alongside your muscle weakness, like bone pain or frequent urination, as these can be additional indicators of parathyroid issues.  

Fatigue 

While many factors can contribute to fatigue, persistent and unexplained tiredness might be linked to parathyroid disease. The imbalance of calcium levels can affect energy production, leaving you feeling drained. 

Calcium plays a vital role in cellular energy production, so when your parathyroid glands aren’t working correctly, calcium dips and so does your energy.  

If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue despite adequate rest, it might be time to look deeper.  

 Increased need for sleep 

Another symptom of parathyroid disease is a need to sleep more, which is closely related to the persistent fatigue caused by the calcium imbalance. 

Unregulated calcium levels cause your body to expend more energy trying to maintain balance, leading to an increased need for sleep. Even when you sleep longer, you may still wake up unrefreshed because parathyroid disease disrupts the body's natural rhythms. 

Track your sleep patterns. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and avoid stimulants before bed. If these steps don’t help, visit us at Palmetto Endocrinology to explore underlying causes. 

 Depression 

Parathyroid disease can also affect your mental health. The calcium imbalance caused by parathyroid disease causes mood and mental health changes. Low calcium, or hypocalcemia can affect neurotransmitter function, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. 

Symptoms of depression can include persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. If you’re experiencing these alongside other symptoms like fatigue or muscle weakness, consider the possibility of parathyroid involvement. 

 Joint pain 

Injuries and arthritis mainly cause joint pain, but when it’s unexplained, it can be another sign of parathyroid disease because calcium imbalances can affect bone metabolism. 

Calcium is essential for strong bones. When parathyroid glands malfunction, calcium leaches from the bones, making them weaker and more prone to pain, especially in the joints, making movement uncomfortable. 

Joint pain related to parathyroid disease can be widespread and persistent. Unlike typical arthritis, this pain often doesn't respond to standard anti-inflammatory treatments and persists despite rest. 

Help for parathyroid disease 

If you’re experiencing any of these common parathyroid-related symptoms, we can help. We can run blood tests, bone densitometry, ultrasounds, CT scans, to diagnose parathyroid disease and start you on a personalized treatment plan.  

Don’t ignore the signs of parathyroid disease. Call us at Palmetto Endocrinology or request an appointment online to set up an evaluation. 

Author

Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps. Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.