What is the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels?

Calcium is crucial for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling, and maintaining normal calcium levels is essential for overall health. When calcium levels rise above the normal range (10.5 mg/dL), hypercalcemia occurs, often signaling an underlying condition. So, what is the most common cause of high calcium levels? The answer often points to the parathyroid glands and a condition known as primary hyperparathyroidism.

What is the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels in Adults?

For adults, especially postmenopausal women and those over 50, primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of high calcium levels. This condition arises when one or more parathyroid glands develop benign tumors, causing excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Elevated PTH prompts calcium release from bones, kidney reabsorption, and increased absorption in the intestines, raising blood calcium levels.

Symptoms Explained: Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels

Symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism vary but often include fatigue, joint pain, increased thirst, digestive issues, and bone loss. For many, these symptoms may be overlooked or attributed to other causes, making it essential to understand what is the most common cause of high calcium levels and seek specialized testing. Untreated high calcium can result in osteoporosis, kidney stones, and other serious complications.

Why Parathyroid Disorders are the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels

Primary hyperparathyroidism is typically due to benign adenomas in the parathyroid glands. As these glands overproduce PTH, calcium levels in the blood spike, weakening bones and disrupting kidney function. Knowing that parathyroid issues are often the most common cause of high calcium levels underscores the need for expert evaluation and management when hypercalcemia is detected.

Beyond Parathyroid: What is the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels in Other Conditions?

While primary hyperparathyroidism is often what is the most common cause of high calcium levels, other conditions can also lead to hypercalcemia:

1. Cancer: Cancers like breast and lung cancer or multiple myeloma may increase calcium through bone invasion.
2. Vitamin D Disorders: Excess vitamin D can raise calcium levels, especially in conditions like sarcoidosis, which leads to high vitamin D production.
3. Other Endocrine Disorders: Hyperthyroidism and adrenal disorders can indirectly elevate calcium levels by increasing bone turnover, while adrenal insufficiency disrupts the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Diagnosis and Testing: Identifying the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels

Diagnosing hypercalcemia involves evaluating calcium, PTH, and vitamin D levels through blood tests. Identifying what is the most common cause of high calcium levels for each patient may also require imaging to detect any abnormalities in the parathyroid glands, such as adenomas or gland enlargement.

What is the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels and Its Treatment Options?

Treatment varies by cause, but for primary hyperparathyroidism—the most common cause of high calcium levels—surgery is often the most effective solution. Parathyroidectomy, or the removal of overactive parathyroid glands, is highly successful and can significantly improve the patient’s health and symptoms.

The Norman Parathyroid Center: Experts in the Most Common Cause of High Calcium Levels

Understanding what is the most common cause of high calcium levels highlights the critical role of parathyroid glands. As global leaders in parathyroid surgery, the Norman Parathyroid Center’s team specializes in minimally invasive techniques tailored to treating primary hyperparathyroidism. With over 70,000 surgeries performed, our team is highly skilled at diagnosing and managing high calcium levels caused by parathyroid dysfunction, ensuring each patient receives expert care.

Conclusion

For patients with symptoms of hypercalcemia, understanding what is the most common cause of high calcium levels—primary hyperparathyroidism—can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of high calcium, consult with the Norman Parathyroid Center to understand the best treatment path and achieve lasting results for your health.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about the Norman Parathyroid Center.
• Read more on the Parathyroid blog.
• Become our patient.
• Check out our sister surgeons at the Clayman Thyroid Center, the Scarless Thyroid Surgery Center and the Carling Adrenal Center. We are now united under one roof, operating at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery.