Primary hyperparathyroidism is not rare. It is particularly common after the age of 50 and may affect up to 3% of postmenopausal women. It is commonly found as a result of blood tests performed for other reasons and is therefore often asymptomatic. Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with renal stone disease, plasma calcium above 3 mmol/L and accelerated bone loss (e.g., bone density < 3 standard deviations below the young normal mean). There is considerable debate about whether mild asymptomatic disease should be treated, but if there is rapid bone loss, either surgical or medical therapy with hormones or bisphosphonates is indicated.