Hi there! I'm Dr. Sarah, a board-certified endocrinologist. I've spent the last decade specializing in hormonal disorders, particularly those affecting calcium regulation. It's a fascinating field, with calcium playing such a vital role in our bodies. You wouldn't believe how many processes depend on having just the right amount!

So, you're curious about what happens when there's too much calcium in the body? That's a great question, and it's more common than you might think. Let's dive in!

The condition of having too much calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia. It's usually defined as a calcium level above 10.5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Now, our bodies are pretty amazing at maintaining calcium balance. We have hormones like parathyroid hormone (PTH) that act like meticulous little caretakers, ensuring calcium levels stay within a healthy range.

When this balance is disrupted and calcium levels rise too high, it can lead to a cascade of problems. The symptoms of hypercalcemia can be quite varied, ranging from mild and barely noticeable to severe and life-threatening.

Here's a rundown:

Mild hypercalcemia: You might not even realize you have it! Some people experience mild fatigue, constipation, or increased thirst and urination. These symptoms are often attributed to other causes, making early detection tricky.

Moderate hypercalcemia: As calcium levels climb higher, the symptoms become more pronounced. You might experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, and bone pain. Confusion and difficulty concentrating can also set in, signaling that the high calcium is starting to affect brain function.

Severe hypercalcemia: This is a medical emergency. Extremely high calcium levels can disrupt heart rhythm, causing palpitations, fainting, and even cardiac arrest. Severe confusion, seizures, and coma can also occur.

Now, let's talk about what causes this excess calcium in the first place.

Overactive parathyroid glands: This is the most common culprit, often due to a small, benign tumor in one or more of the parathyroid glands (tiny glands in your neck that regulate calcium). These tumors cause the glands to go into overdrive, churning out too much PTH, which in turn, pulls excess calcium from your bones and into your bloodstream.

Other causes: While less frequent, other factors can contribute to hypercalcemia. These include:
* Cancer: Certain cancers, particularly those affecting the lung, breast, and blood, can release substances that mimic PTH, leading to increased calcium levels.
* Medications: Some medications, like thiazide diuretics (commonly used for high blood pressure) and lithium (used for bipolar disorder), can interfere with calcium regulation.
* Vitamin D toxicity: Excessive vitamin D intake (usually through supplements) can increase calcium absorption from the gut, leading to hypercalcemia.
* Granulomatous diseases: Conditions like sarcoidosis and tuberculosis can cause the body to produce too much active vitamin D.
* Immobilization: Prolonged bed rest or paralysis can cause calcium to leach out of bones and into the bloodstream, though this is usually seen in people with other underlying conditions.

Diagnosing hypercalcemia involves a simple blood test to measure calcium levels. Your doctor will also likely order other tests to pinpoint the underlying cause, such as checking PTH levels, kidney function, and vitamin D levels.

Treatment for hypercalcemia depends largely on the severity and the root cause. Mild cases might simply require monitoring and lifestyle changes, like staying hydrated and avoiding calcium supplements. More severe cases might necessitate:

* Hospitalization: Intravenous fluids and medications like bisphosphonates can help quickly lower calcium levels.
* Treating the underlying condition: If hyperparathyroidism is the culprit, surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) is often curative. Cancers and other underlying conditions will require their own specific treatment plans.

Remember, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, particularly those associated with moderate or severe hypercalcemia, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious complications from hypercalcemia.

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Getting too much calcium can cause constipation. It might also interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron and zinc, but this effect is not well established. In adults, too much calcium (from dietary supplements but not food) might increase the risk of kidney stones.read more >>