Hyperparathyroidism caused osteoporosis--now what treatment?
I had hyperparathyroidism for 10 years before my doctor noticed (!!), and as a result developed severe osteoporosis. The parathyroid problem has been fixed (with surgery), and I've been on Tymlos for a year, with no side effects, thankfully. My rheumatologist usually keeps patients on Tymlos for 2 years, then moves to Reclast for 3 years. I am terrified of taking any bisphosphanates, since my teeth are really bad and I could possibly need an extraction in the next year or so. Has anyone had osteoporosis due to hyperparathyroidism? I'm wondering if, now that my PTH levels are normal, maybe my body will start developing new bone on its own and stop resorbing bone. So maybe I don't have to go on Reclast???
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This is incredibly important information. Also, what kind of doctor do you have treating this condition, and what exact tests does one take to get to the bottom of this? I had a scan however my Internist said it looked normal, but my labs are anything but normal, and continue to get worse. The calcium continues to rise, and I am thinking it is also causing many other issues. I just dont understand. How does something like this happen, and why are doctors so quick to drop the issue, when the labs show something wrong?
Thank you, I will utilize this information.
One more thing. If your 25(OH)D is over 50ng/mL, there is a risk of hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia. It's also not good for bones. Some people take way too much Vitamin D as a supplement. Good luck!
As of this writing, I have not met with an endocrinologist. I am scheduled to meet with this specialist mid April 2024.
Did you ask your Internist if he/she could see all 4 glands? Who read the scan? How old is the scanning machine that did the scan? These are fair and important questions. Some doctors do not like being X-examined and that's a problem for them not you. You R UR own best advocate.
Did you watch the Youtube.com video I mentioned? If so, ask your physician if he/she has seen it. If the physician seems disinterested & you have a PPO that allows you to make an appointment with an endocrinologist, then do it for your own peace of mind.
Be sure to check in with your insurance to make sure they allow a second opinion, & that U can make the appt with the endocrinologist. If your insurance carrier wants to know why, then tell them.
I am not afraid to buck anyone whose responses are concerning.
You need to see an endocrinologist as soon as possible. Hyperparathyroidism does it's damage slowly and silently and will continue to leach calcium from your bones until the condition is treated with a simple surgery. Hyperparathyroidism is also a major risk factor impaired cognitive function and dementia.
Thank you. I have an appointment in February in Tampa/FSU
Hello @csjxvcsjxv
Have you had an ultrasound or CT of the neck to check on the parathyroid gland? If not, when you see the endocrinologist, you should ask about one of these tests.
I look forward to hearing from you after your appointment. If you have any other questions in the meantime, please post them. Many of us in this discussion group have both hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis.
I did have one earlier this year which indicated secondary hyperparathyroidism. Likely cause I only have one kidney received as a deceased donor transplant 2 years ago. I have osteopenia. Am wondering if Endo can do anything about the Secondary PTH.
@csjxvcsjxv
It will be interesting to hear what the endocrinologist has to say about your situation. Being a transplant recipient might change the way your Secondary PTH is treated.
In general, how do you feel?
Thank you for asking. I feel great. I lift weights 3xweek and walk minimum 1 mile a day, which helps keep my bones strong and my dexa is pretty much stable from 2 years ago. Spine BMD increased a bit so is no long in osteopenia range. Risk of major fracture in next 10 yrs is 10%. Risk of hip fracture 2.5%. I am 73 years old, 5 foot tall and weight 94 lbs, but can deadlift 150 lb. and carry 75% of by bodyweight for 1 minute farmer carry. I attribute the weight training to the stability of my BMD numbers. I take 4000 units vitamin D a day, plus Vitamin k, and get enough calcium from diet.