What are the common symptoms associated with hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to increased calcium levels in the blood. The classic mnemonic "stones, bones, and groans" effectively summarizes the common symptoms associated with this condition.

"Stones" refers to recurrent kidney stones, which occur due to hypercalcemia leading to increased calcium in the urine, contributing to the formation of calcium-containing stones. "Bones" highlights the skeletal effects of increased PTH, which mobilizes calcium from the bones, potentially causing bone pain, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures. "Groans" pertains to the gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation that can arise from increased calcium levels.

This combination of symptoms is essential for recognizing and diagnosing hyperparathyroidism in a clinical setting, as they provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Each component of the mnemonic reflects the multifaceted impact of hyperparathyroidism on various organ systems and supports further investigation and management of the patient.