1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

I have PMR, as well as a high PTH level of 117, anyone else have this?

Posted by bruce1951vet @bruce1951vet, May 19, 2023

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 19, 2023

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?

REPLY
1 reply
bruce1951vet | @bruce1951vet | May 21, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @bruce1951vet, Welcome to Connect. I also have PMR but it's currently in remission. Both times..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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?

Jump to this post

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!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 21, 2023
In reply to @bruce1951vet "Hello johnbishop, Thanks for the welcome. I have an appointment with a Endocrinologist to discuss the..." + (show)
@bruce1951vet

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!

Jump to this post

Hoping you can provide an update after your appointment with the Endocrinologist.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.