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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Parathyroid problems?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Parathyroid problems?
by Nillie74, Mar 14, 2008 03:58PM
Hi - My question is in regards to the parathyroid. I am 33 and I have osteoporosis. I have had some tests showing low vitamin D (level was 18) and slightly high ionized calcium of 5.7. My PTH was not checked at the same time, but other times it was at 50. My doc put me on vitamin D and I had severe symptoms appear the next day including joint pain/stiffness, muscle weakness and arthritis and then my legs try to cramp up at night a couple days later. I am hypothyroid and take medication. After being on Vitamin D3 (1,000 units) for one month, my hypothyroid symptoms came back with a vengeance, I also seem to have symptoms of hyperparathyroid. After taking vitamin D for the last month, my levels were checked for vitamin D, calcium and PTH and my calcium was way lower than I have ever seen it. The PTH calcium was 9.2, regular calcium was 8.8 and PTH was 33. The vitamin D OH25 went up to around 60 and the vitamin D 1,25 was above the range. I don't understand why my calcium is now close to below the range. I stopped the vitamin D and feel better. It seems if my parathyroid was working properly my calcium levels would have adjusted to the normal narrow range or worse case that my serum calcium would have risen and the PTH would go down. I don't understand why my vitamin was low since I am outside all the time. I wonder if my body sensed high levels and suppressed vitamin D in order to keep calcium from getting too high? And, the severe sensitivity to vitamin D and now extremely low calcium levels make me wonder if there is something wrong. Or, maybe I just have an efficient PTH.???
Should I continue to explore this or does it sound like everything is fine?
Thanks,
Stephanie
Should I continue to explore this or does it sound like everything is fine?
Thanks,
Stephanie
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Mar 17, 2008 06:13AM
, Mar 17, 2008 06:13AM
I am surprised the caclium went down - -but part of hyperparathyroidism is a fluctuation in ca and PTH levels. The initial high ionized calcium with inappropriately normal PTH of 50 in the setting of low Vit D is diagnostic of primary hyperparathyroidism. Particularly in the setting of osteoporosis at this young age. PTH levels sometimes fall a bit with vit D treatment, but I imagine if this is rechecked over time, the PTH and Ca will be on the rise again. Check out parathyroid.com for more info on these complex interractions.
Member Comments (1)
by Nillie74, Jul 03, 2008 03:47PM
A related discussion, more questions on hyperparathyroidism was started.
by KJ59, Nov 18, 2008 01:29PM
A related discussion, What do you think? was started.
by kj05, Jun 17, 2009 06:54PM
A related discussion, parathyroid problem?? was started.
