Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common form.[1] In the developed world between one and four per thousand people are affected.[3] It occurs three times more often in women than men and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 60.[2] The disease was first described in the 1700s and in the late 1800s was determined to be related to the parathyroid.[5] Surgery as a treatment was first carried out in 1925.[5]