Opinions Please

Hi
I have recently been diagnosed with Osteopenia; had a DEXA scan because I have hypothyroidism and my TSH is usually suppressed as I’m on Natural Thyroid. I see my Endo privately for some time now and he requested the DEXA. I was disappointed with the result and I decided to try to go the diet route rather than medication with horrific side effects. I decided to get my calcium levels checked ( privately) expecting it to be maybe low but found to my surprise it was in fact elevated - think it was 8 over the range. I looked at symptoms of Hypercalcemia and sure enough I was experiencing some of those- bone pain, frequent urination and fatigue, I wondered if I had hyperparathyroidism and began reading about that. I saw my Endo last week and he didn’t seem too concerned about the raised calcium! He did order Vit D Calcium and PTH testing. I do take a Vit D supplement as need to with being hypo so my Vit D usually runs on the low side of the range - 62 currently.
My Endo contacted me today to say my Calcium was in range - it’s actually at the high end of normal , haven’t got the PTH result yet. He’s told me not to take any Vit D for a month until a retest.
I’m wondering that if my PTH levels come back raised or slightly raised will hyperparathyroidism be considered and will I even get a scan? Seems to be a laid back approach by the Endo towards a raised calcium!
Would appreciate any thoughts
Thanks
Alli

Hi Alli

Raised Calcium with raised PTH does suggest Hyperparathyroidism and your Endo should be considering a referral for surgery.

However, getting a diagnosis can be challenging - on a par with getting a diagnosis for Hypothyroidism.

Scans are not always the answer, as the 4 tiny parathyroid gland are not always where they are supposed to be and scans can give false readings.

There are others on this forum who, hopefully, can offer further suggestions on diagnosis and surgery.

Edwin

Thank you Edwin ... I have been there with the hypothyroidism diagnosis !
Alli