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Worrying About My Hyperparathyroidism
Hi All... I've taken 4 PTH tests over the last 9 months and each test level has been higher than the last. The first test level was 87 and the last, taken just a week ago, was 114. The tests were only taken after I had kidney stone surgery last June, so I'm assuming my PTH level could've been high before that. I'm very worried and am not sure what's causing the problem as my calcium levels are and have always been in the normal range, 9.5 - 10. My last 2 vitamin D levels were 23. My endocrinologist told me that my PTH level is high because my D level is low and to correct that, she wants me to start taking 2,000 IUs per day until the level goes above 30. Another doctor suggested I take 4,000 IUs per day. I know that doctors regularly prescribe D when a persons D level is below 30, but I haven't read from anyone, anywhere that they're high PTH level normalized after taking it. In addition, I've read on some websites that taking vitamin D to treat hyperparathyroidism can actually raise a persons calcium level too high making their hyperparathyroidism worse, so I have some concerns about taking it. Thoughts?
*I'm a new member of the Mayoclinic's health forums and accidentally posted this post to another section of the forum before posting it here.
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Hello. I had two parathyroid adenomas removed back on 3/24/21. My calcium and PTH numbers are already creeping up, again, because my regular endocrinologist refused to look for any cause. When I read here that others got NET scans (PET-CT w/dotatate) and kidney function scans after being diagnosed with pHPT, I was both vindicated and angry, because I've been fighting for that here in the Boston area.
In your case, calcium is high, but PTH is still normal? They could still be wrong about hyperparathyroidism in that you could have it. But high calcium on its own - hypercalcemia - is a cancer marker. They should not just be ignoring your issue.
I apologize for the Cleveland Clinic link. 😉
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14597-hypercalcemia
I have hyperparathyroidism, with normal calcium etc. I do take 25 iu of vitamin D3 each week and my level is about 40. I have been taking Vit D3 for years tho, and in my case probably not related to HPTH. There are several tests to check- an endocrinologist should know them.