HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Hypercalcemia And Vitamin D Deficiency In A 38 Year Old Woman?

default
Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: What causes hypercalcemia and vitamin D deficiency in a 38 year old post (surgical) menopausal woman? Will taking vitamin D supplements increase my hypercalcemia?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
Vitamin D deficiency usually causes hypocalcemia (low blood calcium level ). Low vitamin D level and low calcium stimulate the increase in production of Parathyroid hormone (PTH ). This leads to bone resorption and increase in Calcium level ( Hypercalcemia ).
The administration of vitamin D leads to decrease in PTH levels and decreases bone resorption. At the same time, absorption of calcium from the food increases. So the net calcium level in the blood can be variable. So if you have high calcium and low vitamin D, one should avoid calcium containing foods while supplementing vitamin D.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (36 minutes later)
I had my thyroid levels checked due to some fatigue, hair loss and weight gain, but they all came back normal. Is there additional testing that I should be doing, or just follow up on the hypercalcemia and vitamin D deficiency?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
PTH

Detailed Answer:
The gland involved in Calcium level is Parathyroid. The hormone to be tested is Parathormone (PTH ).Have it tested. Also please let me know your vitamin D3 level and the Calcium reading.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (14 hours later)
I called to get my results and I may have overreacted.
Calcium: 10.6
Vit D: 26
TSH: 1.67
I did ask if we could check my PTH and I was told that after I follow up with my Calcium they will do that.
I just feel like something is going on, but I know those results are not very significant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Recheck after stopping calcium containing foods

Detailed Answer:
Your vitamin D and TSH are normal.
Cut down on Milk, any dairy products and all calcium containing products and recheck the level. It may turn out to be normal. If it remains the same or increased, then you should have a PTH and other tests done.
Take care,
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Hypercalcemia And Vitamin D Deficiency In A 38 Year Old Woman?

Brief Answer: Discussion follows Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. Vitamin D deficiency usually causes hypocalcemia (low blood calcium level ). Low vitamin D level and low calcium stimulate the increase in production of Parathyroid hormone (PTH ). This leads to bone resorption and increase in Calcium level ( Hypercalcemia ). The administration of vitamin D leads to decrease in PTH levels and decreases bone resorption. At the same time, absorption of calcium from the food increases. So the net calcium level in the blood can be variable. So if you have high calcium and low vitamin D, one should avoid calcium containing foods while supplementing vitamin D.