Ever feel tired for no reason, or struggle with muscle cramps, kidney stones, or mood swings? You might be surprised to learn that something as simple as calcium levels could be to blame. High calcium in your blood isn’t always about eating too much dairy—it could be a warning sign that your parathyroid glands are out of balance.

Let’s break it all down in plain English. No confusing medical jargon. Just answers to questions real people ask.

What causes high calcium in the blood?

High calcium, or hypercalcaemia, often starts with your parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands sit behind your thyroid and control calcium levels in your body. When one or more of them go rogue, usually due to a benign tumour, they start producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). That hormone tells your bones to release calcium, your kidneys to retain it, and your intestines to absorb more.

Other causes include too much vitamin D, certain cancers, and some medications. But in most people, it’s a parathyroid issue.

What are the symptoms of high calcium levels?

It’s easy to miss the signs because they mimic everyday problems. But when calcium climbs too high, your body sends out signals like:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Nausea or constipation
• Bone pain or muscle weakness
• Feeling low or forgetful
• Kidney stones

If you're constantly battling these, it’s worth getting your calcium and PTH levels checked.

How are parathyroid disorders diagnosed?

Doctors usually run a simple blood test to check your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. If both are high, that’s a red flag. You might also need a scan to see which gland is overactive.

The good news? It’s often curable, especially if caught early.

Can high calcium levels be dangerous?

Absolutely. Left untreated, high calcium can damage your kidneys, weaken your bones, and even affect your heart and brain. That’s why early detection matters so much.

In severe cases, it can lead to a condition called hypercalcaemic crisis, which is a medical emergency.

How do you treat high calcium caused by parathyroid issues?

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for an overactive parathyroid gland. It’s a quick procedure, and most people feel better within days.

For those who can’t have surgery, medications can help manage calcium levels. Lifestyle tweaks like staying hydrated and avoiding calcium-rich supplements also play a role.

Doctors may prescribe treatments to lower calcium or PTH levels and protect your bones. One such option is Cinacalcet, which helps reduce parathyroid hormone levels.

Is diet responsible for high calcium levels?

Not always. While calcium-rich foods support bone health, they rarely cause dangerously high levels. The issue often lies in how your body handles calcium, mainly due to hormone imbalances, kidney problems, or medication side effects.

That said, it’s smart to follow your doctor’s advice on calcium intake if you have a history of parathyroid disorders.

What happens if parathyroid disorders are left untreated?

Ignoring it can lead to brittle bones, kidney stones, chronic fatigue, and mood disturbances. Over time, untreated hyperparathyroidism wears your body down. You may feel “off” but not know why.

That’s why getting regular blood work done, especially if you’re over 50 or have kidney issues, is a good idea.

How do doctors monitor calcium levels after treatment?

After surgery or starting medication, your doctor will regularly check your calcium and PTH levels. This helps make sure your body is adjusting well. Bone density scans may also be used to see if your bones are rebuilding strength.

It’s a long-term partnership with your healthcare provider. But once your calcium levels normalise, you’ll likely notice a big boost in how you feel.

Can anyone get parathyroid disorders?

Yes, but it’s more common in women over 50. People with long-term kidney problems or those who’ve had radiation therapy near the neck are also at risk. It’s not something most people think about until the symptoms become too hard to ignore.

Taking a PTH 30mg Tablet as part of your treatment plan may help if your doctor thinks it’s the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Your body works hard to keep everything balanced, and calcium plays a key role in that. But when the parathyroid glands start overproducing hormone, everything can go haywire. The signs are easy to miss, but the effects are very real.

Luckily, with the right diagnosis and treatment, most people recover fully and feel like themselves again. Don’t ignore the signs; your body is always trying to tell you something. Listen to it.