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hyperparathyroidism or vitamin d deficiency?

A few months ago my doctor ran blood tests and said I had elevated calcium and PHT hormone. Retest done two weeks later showed the same, so she referred me to an endocrinologist. During physical exam, the endo said it felt like I have several small nodules on my thyroid, and that everything indicated I have hyperparathyroidism, but that it was unusual to have both elevated calcium and PHT. So . . . you guessed it . . . more blood work. a 24-hour urine collection, and a bone scan. Same results: still have elevated calcium and PHT, but also have severe vitamin D deficiency and some bone loss (losing huge amounts of calcium in urine). He still thinks I have hyperparathyroidism, but feels something may be masking something else, so wants me to take megadoses of vitamin D for three months and do more blood work. Now, he explained that normal daily recommendation of vitamin D is 2000 units/day which equates to 14,000 units/week.  He wants me to take 150,000 units/week.  A little research on the Internet led me to www.parathyroid.com, a site managed by the leading U.S. doctor on parathyroid problems.  From what I can tell after viewing that website, I most likely have hyperparathyroidism. It also states that it could be dangerous for me to take megadoses of vitamin D and that it will only make things worse (they actually state that a few people have experienced strokes after taking megadoses of vitamin D).

Any suggestions?
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Avatar universal
I had a parathyroidectomy 18 months ago.  Unfortunately, even the endocrinologist didn't get it so I agree with 'doctornee medical' above.  I ended up charting a series of points on the labwork graph for calcium and pth...instead of the one point each test showed.  THis was the clencher for my endocrine surgeon who ordered a good ultrasound where it was obvious I had a large parathyroid adenoma.  Please be sure your surgeon has lots of experience with these surgeries and does the pth level changes while you're still in surgery to determine that he's gotten all of them.  You will feel much better with the probable adenoma out.
Good Luck
AnnG23
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
In primary hyperparathyroidism both PTH and calcium levels are high. The cause for associated low Vit D is not very well understood. Strangely as the level of calcium decreases, level of Vit D comes up. Yes, you are right. You do not need high doses of Vit D. You need to get that parathyroid tumor treated. Consult another endocrinologist for a second pinion.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

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