serum calcium level - how low before treatment is needed

[alreadytaken]

Mine was below the normal range but my gp described the blood tests as "all negative" . Has he missed something important or can it be outside range and not treated? I'm inclined to think he's missed it but don't know if I should point it out.

Suggest you go to Hypoparathyroidism UK (sorry can't do links) My
calcium is high but either way can make you feel like crap

while I have many symptoms of hypoparathyroidism my gp refuses to consider it as I have a normal TSH.

Has he thought to check your PTH?

D

No, should he?

My TSH is normal, calcium 2.88 and vit d 1.2 GP bless him sent me to an endocrinologist. PTH raised also I think your GP should check yours.

TSH has no bearing on your calcium level, so goodness only knows why he's looking at that!

I have hyperparathyroisim so the opposite problem - presume that's what you've got 2old2beamum.

Daisy yes I have feel utter crap but as my calcium 2.88 it is not high enough for surgery but am awaiting bone neck and kidney scans. Meanwhile taking massive dose of Vit D and some in my bum. Sometimes as well as bone ache and fatigue I can barely function and have 2 LO's with complex needs.
Sorry OP did not mean to hijack your post. Daisy is right the thyroid gland
( TSH) has nothing to do with the parathyroid gland they are 2 separate glands with totally different functions.

If there is any suggestion that you might have hypoparathyroid issues (as distinct from hypothyroid), the logical first step would be to check your parathyroid hormones (PTH).

Oh, and what do you call a 'normal' TSH?

D

That's awful 2old! I'm lucky in that although I've got a very complicated history I don't have any symptoms of hypercalcaemia. Despite not having symptoms I've had surgery (which didn't completely work because of the kind of parathyroid problem I have) and am waiting for another go because of the risk in later life of developing osteoporosis.

I can't believe they won't operate despite you feeling awful!

sorry, confusion is one of my symptoms . I think I have hypothyroid problems rather than hypoparathyroid problems although the confusion and fatigue could be either. My gp hasn't tested vitamin D levels but I suspect they would be low. TSH currently 2.4, it's actually dropped from a test a few years back.

But if your serum calcium is low, this indicates a possible issue with your parathyroid - completely separate issue to your thyroid function.

As others say, parathyroid and thyroid are different. With low serum calcium you need to see what the pth is doing as the relationship between the two is the key to understanding what is going on.

Your tsh does also sound a little out of the normal range, even though it's within range. Have you had your antibodies tested?

When you get pth tested, ask for all the vitamins as well eg ferritin, b12, vit d

Sorry I can't remember more about it but I have had low serum calcium. It suddenly dropped and I felt utterly awful and had no clue what I was doing and also tore a calf muscle with muscle spasms. So much empathy :(

2old2beamum - did you check out the hyperparathyroid boards already? They should operate if you have symptoms and are under 50 I seem to remember. Also, the low vit d could be masking the serum calcium, it is often not advised to take vit d if you suspect primary hyperparathyroidism as the vid d is purposely low to try to 'control' the excess calcium (that's not a scientific explanation lol). So they should monitor your serum calcium levels v v carefully on the vit d

As others say, parathyroid and thyroid are different. With low serum calcium you need to see what the pth is doing as the relationship between the two is the key to understanding what is going on.

Your tsh does also sound a little out of the normal range, even though it's within range. Have you had your antibodies tested?

When you get pth tested, ask for all the vitamins as well eg ferritin, b12, vit d

Sorry I can't remember more about it but I have had low serum calcium. It suddenly dropped and I felt utterly awful and had no clue what I was doing and also tore a calf muscle with muscle spasms. So much empathy :(

2old2beamum - did you check out the hyperparathyroid boards already? They should operate if you have symptoms and are under 50 I seem to remember. Also, the low vit d could be masking the serum calcium, it is often not advised to take vit d if you suspect primary hyperparathyroidism as the vid d is purposely low to try to 'control' the excess calcium (that's not a scientific explanation lol). So they should monitor your serum calcium levels v v carefully on the vit d

haven't been tested for B12 either. My gp doesn't really believe in doing tests on me, however if my OH thinks he has anything wrong with him they run every test you can imagine. I asked for vitamin D and B12 tests this time, didn't get them.

merci sadly not under 50 wish you had put under 70 yes I have a 6 and 13 year old 02.(don't ask) I felt my consultation with endocrinologist went ok but I find telling people my feelings difficult, too upbeat and put on a act. Dare not tell anyone I nearly overdosed DS on anticovulsants but DIDN'T due to me being very vigilant when I gave them an hour after "drawing them up" My mind is so fuggy. Sometimes I think I have dementia At present the vit d is not making much difference might as well stuff them up my a..e !
Thanks for listening.

Your last comment made me chuckle, 2old2beamum :). Sorry about the age comment tho - they should def still do something!! I was on a hyperparathyroid board a while back and it was really good, they had a list of specialist endos - did you see someone who specialises in hyperparathyroidism? I'll try and remember the address, think I just googled hyperparathyroidism/support group/uk. Have you had a PTH test done as well as calcium? The US website is also awesome (hyperparathyroid.com) for info about high calcium and hyperparathyroidism.

Op - can you go back and hassle again for a vit d test/b12,
/ferritin? I know it's a pain! Also point out the low serum calcium (what was it btw) and ask what he plans on doing about it. Preferably print out some info from eg gpnotebook first about causes and treatments. I'm sorry I don't remember that info, I'll try and look later on and post a link or maybe someone else will know

Don't rely on your GP. My sis has high PTH and her GP appears to think this means a thyroid problem. Sigh. I know they sound similar but honestly!

Your last comment made me chuckle, 2old2beamum :). Sorry about the age comment tho - they should def still do something!! I was on a hyperparathyroid board a while back and it was really good, they had a list of specialist endos - did you see someone who specialises in hyperparathyroidism? I'll try and remember the address, think I just googled hyperparathyroidism/support group/uk. Have you had a PTH test done as well as calcium? The US website is also awesome (hyperparathyroid.com) for info about high calcium and hyperparathyroidism.

Op - can you go back and hassle again for a vit d test/b12,
/ferritin? I know it's a pain! Also point out the low serum calcium (what was it btw) and ask what he plans on doing about it. Preferably print out some info from eg gpnotebook first about causes and treatments. I'm sorry I don't remember that info, I'll try and look later on and post a link or maybe someone else will know

Don't rely on your GP. My sis has high PTH and her GP appears to think this means a thyroid problem. Sigh. I know they sound similar but honestly!

This is the hyperparathyroidism forum, the bloke who wrote it suffered from high normal/high calcium for ages before he could convince someone to operate
www.parathyroid-forum.co.uk/index.php

This is the hyperparathyroidism forum, the bloke who wrote it suffered from high normal/high calcium for ages before he could convince someone to operate
www.parathyroid-forum.co.uk/index.php

Gpnotebook guidelines for hypocalcaemia coming up
www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-1335164909&linkID=18845&cook=no&mentor=1
sorry if it's something you know all about already

Gpnotebook guidelines for hypocalcaemia coming up
www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-1335164909&linkID=18845&cook=no&mentor=1
sorry if it's something you know all about already

thanks merci. Off now to do the endless drug routine so will look tomorrow. I am under the Norfolk & Norwich senior endocrinologist Prof Bill Fraser we shall see.
As a mere old nurse it amazes me some GP's do not know the difference between thyroid and parathyroid problems,

thank you all for helping and especially for the links. I've read up on hypoparathyroid now and I notice that magnesium is mentioned too, so perhaps that should be checked in anyone who is not responding to treatment? 2old2beamum have your magnesium levels been checked?

My calcium level is not low enough to require more than oral supplements. I'm going to suggest to my gp that I should have more tests but meanwhile I'll put more dairy produce into my diet and use vitamin D supplements as there is not much sun around.