How can I reduce the calcium content in my blood if I have an overactive parathyroid and recurrent kidney stones?

Doctor's Answer

The cause of your kidney stones could in fact be due to high calcium levels resulting from an overactive parathyroid gland, (or hyperparathyroidism).

The parathyroid gland produces the hormone PTH, which increases calcium levels in your body. Normally, when calcium levels in your blood fall too low, your parathyroid glands secrete PTH to restore the balance.

PTH raises calcium levels by releasing calcium from your bones and increasing the amount of calcium absorbed from your small intestine.

When blood calcium levels are too high, the parathyroid glands produce less PTH. But sometimes one or more of these glands produce too much PTH hormone – which seems to have happened in your case.

There are different types of hyperparathyroidism – doctors use blood tests and possibly scans to determine the type of hyperparathyroidism a patient has.

With hyperparathyroidism, there’s no way to control your calcium levels through diet alone, unfortunately (although an “inappropriate diet” can certainly raise your calcium levels even higher). You will need to consult your doctor for appropriate treatment, if so.

There are other important causes to rule out in someone with high calcium levels, so I’d strongly recommend that you chat with your doctor.

Cheers

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