I'm a 36 year old woman, and my calcium levels have been trending up for the last 4 years and my health has been in a rapid decline. I now have osteopenia. The fatigue and brain fog is so bad most days I can barely concentrate or function. My recent calcium was 10.5 mg/dl and I haven't had my PTH checked recently but last time it wasn't elevated. I am waiting for new lab orders. Before the increasing calcium the last few years I lived in the low 9s and that is where it seemed to stay (9.2-9.4 mg/dl) and looking at the trend it is now consistently high 9s with the highest being 10.5. I am terrified my health is going to keep declining. Do you do consults for people in my position?
Thank you for sharing your information. Your picture is definitely concerning for primary hyperparathyroidism. A calcium of 10.5 mg/dl is a little high for your age. Sometimes people in their 30s can have calcium levels in the low 10s, which then drop into the 9s as you get above about 40 years old. But 10.5 is a little higher than what I like to see, and the trend is concerning.
A high calcium combined with a “normal” or high PTH is diagnostic for primary hyperparathyroidism. It is not necessary to have a high PTH to make the diagnosis. A PTH in the normal range is inappropriate for high calcium levels, since your parathyroid glands should stop making PTH when the calcium goes too high.
To make the diagnosis, you should have calcium, PTH, and Vitamin D 25-OH checked together. If you are currently taking Vitamin D, I recommend stopping that now, since it can further raise your calcium levels.
If you have primary hyperparathyroidism, the only cure is with an operation to remove the diseased parathyroid gland(s).
Parathyroid disease is my area of specialty, and I consult with patients like you every day. You can find out more here: https://www.southwestparathyroid.com/schedule
