Hyperparathyroidism with ‘normal PTH’?
Dear all
I am new to this forum.
I’d like to get your perspective on my situation.
I am a 50 year old female. About four months ago my calcium was 9.9. Two months ago it was 10.4 and then repeat testing a few weeks back showed 10.2. My PTH level was 20.1. ( For what it’s worth my bun creatine ration was also elevated but other markers were normal). The rheumatology department said everything was normal as did my primary doctor. I am a little concerned as I also have symptoms such as bone and joint pain. A recent MRI showed spinal stenosis and herniated and bulging discs. Newer symptoms include pain in my feet, arms, fingers and hands and orthopedics is investigating carpel tunnel or cervical radiopathology. I’ve got an ultrasound and EMG coming up to investigate the upper body pain. Nobody seems concerned about the higher normal calcium readings, especially as my PTH was 20 (in the low normal range). Is this enough evidence that a parathyroid issue is not likely? My research indicates that my calcium levels should be in the 9’s, that this could all be connected and I should get further testing for possible hyperparathyroidism but none of my medical team seem to think there is a problem. Your thoughts would be welcome and perhaps I am over thinking! Thank you!
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Check out
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For some great info.
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3 ReactionsHello,
I am new to this group. I'm hoping I can find some answers here. Thank you in advance. I have been struggling for more than 10 years, and I do not feel like my symptoms are being addressed. I feel as though I'm being "poop pooped," as you will. I have not been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism as of yet, and I am having problems finding someone to listen and look at the whole picture, not just one piece. First, let me say that I am a 56 year old, menopausal women. I have had multiple calcium levels of 10 (current 10.3) or more with an occasional normal level in the mix. I also have an elevated PTH score of 45.4 and Ionized calcium of 1.33. My symptoms have started to increase, and at times I am completely unable to function because of fatigue. Over the last year my already low-normal GFR has dropped with my current number being 46 with serum Creatine 1.36. I have multiple areas of joint destruction. Spondylosis and Spondyloses requiring spinal fusion at the age of 32. I have been diagnosed with EOA in my hands which have required one surgery and the need for more due to the joint destruction. I also have osteopenia as of 2023 DEXA. Not sure what all info is needed here but if I can get someone to respond with info, please. It’s been a VERY LONG grueling battle to be heard. Thanks
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2 ReactionsWelcome @loul10 and @lorimar to Mayo Clinic Connect. Oh I forgot all about the parathyroid being part of the endocrine system! It is the thing I know least about. I’m afraid that this might be a common occurrence. I have an endocrinologist and a nephrologist. My nephrologist monitors labs related to the parathyroid and I’ve been content to pay little attention to it. Have you discussed these rashes lab results with your providers? You may need to be a bit more persistent. You could also check out the link that @riflemanz64 posted. He has posted helpful info about parathyroid before.
Hello, I am new to mayo clinic discussion boards.
Two weeks ago I started with a new primary, who knows definitely knows a warning sign. My Calcium was 10.7, she immediately ordered PTH and Vitamin D bloodwork. Vitamin D was 26.5 & PTH was normal 41. She explained that PTH should not be normal, as the other 2 are high/low and suggests hyperparathyroidism. She sent a referral for an endocrinologist which isn't until end of October. Fatigue and body aches are my biggest symptoms.
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3 ReactionsHello @janem77 Im also new to the journey of hyperparathyroidism. Fatigue, body aches, lots of going to the toilet to wee, thirsty, osteoporosis - this is the one that worries me. I recently broke bones in my foot - waiting to see where that leads with treatment options.
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1 Reaction@janem77 I went through all of that in 2005-2008. When I kept getting worse and worse. I had a doctor explain to me why I felt so bad. She said that when calcium was pulled from the bones, and suddenly dumped into the bloodstream that it overwhelmed my body. My calcium level went up to 11.2. I knew I needed surgery to remove the bad parathyroid gland.
I contacted the doctor in Tampa, Florida who was the parathyroid specialist and made arrangements for the surgery.
February 7, 2008 I had the surgery. No exaggeration, I felt 90% better the next day! Then 100% two days later…
@aishah please see my Comment above.
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I have had very elevated parathyroid hormone since 2020 that we know of. Everything else normal and I have no symptoms at all. So it is possible to have high PTH and others measures normal. It is called normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism.
@tsch interesting. I’ve never heard of that.