What it is
Over time, high calcium can lead to kidney stones, thinning bones and other problems.
Mild cases may only need monitoring. Surgery to remove the overactive gland is often recommended and usually cures it.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- Tiredness
- Feeling thirsty and peeing often
- Low mood and poor concentration
- Bone pain
- Kidney stones
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Vitamin D and kidney function tests
- Neck scans to find the gland
- Bone density scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Calcium and PTH results over time
- Kidney function results
- Bone density scan reports
- Parathyroid scan reports and surgical letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need surgery or monitoring?
- How often should my calcium be checked?
- Are my bones and kidneys affected?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Confusion, severe vomiting, extreme thirst or severe tummy pain with known high calcium: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.