I have a calcium of 11.1 mg/dl (age 55, female). We still need to order other labs. I have so many symptoms consistent with hyperparathyroidism. A lot of the reading I’ve done seems to say that they don’t do surgery under 12 as it “should” be asymptomatic. Can an 11 level cause symptoms?
Yes! A calcium of 11.1 mg/dl can definitely cause symptoms!
I have had patients whose calcium levels never went above 10.5 mg/dl and they were absolutely miserable. The symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are unrelated to how high the calcium is. Any calcium above normal (above 10.0 mg/dl for a person over about age 40) can cause symptoms. Parathyroid disease is only rarely asymptomatic. Most patients have symptoms if you ask about non-specific issues like fatigue, brain fog, and insomnia.
The notion that surgery is only considered for calcium levels above 12 mg/dl is very outdated. Most patients will never have calcium levels get that high, even after years of having the disease. Anyone who has confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism (regardless of calcium level) is a candidate for parathyroid surgery.
To confirm your diagnosis, you will want to get calcium, PTH, and Vitamin D levels checked. If your calcium remains high, with a high or “normal” PTH level, then you likely have primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s) is the only definitive treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism and can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as osteoporosis, kidney stones, and cardiovascular issues.
