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I have PMR, as well as a high PTH level of 117, anyone else have this?
I was diagnosed 2 months ago with PMR. I started with 15mg per day of prednisone and am now down to 10mg per day. I am in the process of tapering down. My annual appointment for blood work the doctor noticed my PTH Intact level was 117. Could this be because of the prednisone I am taking for PMR?
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Hello @bruce1951vet, Welcome to Connect. I also have PMR but it's currently in remission. Both times I was started at 20 mg prednisone but the only tests I had were CRP and ESR. Hopefully others with PMR who have also had a parathyroid hormone test can share experience. There is another discussion you may want to join to learn what others have shared on treating high levels of PTH.
--- Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH): How is it treated?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/elevated-parathyroid-hormone-pth/.
Here is some information from Mayo Clinic on possible causes:
"What is the most common cause of elevated PTH?
If your kidneys work poorly, usable vitamin D may decrease and calcium levels drop. This causes parathyroid hormone levels to go up. Chronic kidney failure is the most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism."
--- Hyperparathyroidism - Symptoms and causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperparathyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356194.
Have you discussed the PTH levels with your doctor?
Hello johnbishop, Thanks for the welcome. I have an appointment with a Endocrinologist to discuss the high levels of PTH. The high levels of PTH were caught at my annual VA visit, and they recommended a Endocrinologist. Thanks for the other information you shared!
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1 ReactionHoping you can provide an update after your appointment with the Endocrinologist.
I was just diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism. Kinda confusing as to the cause because could be secondary to prednisone and I was on very high dose prednisone for PMR with GCA - now down from 80mg to 7.5mg because taking Rinvoq. But I also have a 3.5cm thyroid mass. The other confusing thing for me is that Hyperparathyroidism can cause the same symptoms that I have had off and on for a few years from Long Covid - muscle weakness, fatigue, brain fog, etc.
@astarte888 You need your Vit D tested as well. Many of us are Vit D deficient due to following medical advise and using sunscreen. My endo and I have been chasing Secondary Hyperparathyroidism since 2023. I was Dx with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) a year ago and just discovered that PTH problems can be associated with CKD and often the Nephrologist is the one who treats it due to the close relationship. With CKD the PTH normal range is different.
To tell if your kidneys are problematic look at a Metabolic Panel and look at your eGFR. Then talk to your doctor about it. My PCP tried to dismiss mine as age appropriate. I was having no part of it. My mother died from untreated CKD 60 years ago. No way did I want to follow that path. I am now working with a nephrologist with Stage 3a CKD, which is an early stage, but lifestyle changes can influence how quickly it progresses.
@astarte888 Yes. My PTH level has been elevated for years, long before PMR. Blood calcium and Vitamin D have been low despite taking supplements. A recent scan revealed osteopenia so I had an ultrasound and CT scan of the parathyroid that revealed enlargement of one or two lobes. Since I'm still taking Prednisone for PMR (which also weakens bones) and the parathyroid doesn't heal itself, I opted for parathyroid surgery. I don't want osteoporosis added to my list of ailments. Good luck to you!
@kathleendw Correction: Blood calcium has been high, vitamin D has been low.