Preparing for an appointment

In most cases, elevated calcium is detected by blood tests your doctor has ordered as part of a routine screening, a diagnostic work-up for an unrelated condition or a diagnostic work-up to identify the cause of very general symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about test results if they show you have high levels of calcium. Questions you might ask your doctor include:

• Do I have hyperparathyroidism?
• What test do I need to confirm the diagnosis or determine the cause?
• Should I see a specialist in hormone disorders (endocrinologist)?
• If I have hyperparathyroidism, do you recommend surgery?
• What alternatives do I have to surgery?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Do you have printed material about hyperparathyroidism that I can take home?

To understand the effect of hyperparathyroidism on your overall health, your doctor may ask you questions about possible mild signs or symptoms, including:

• Have you been feeling depressed?
• Do you often feel tired, easily fatigued or generally unwell?
• Are you feeling any inexplicable aches and pains?
• Are you often forgetful, absent-minded or unable to concentrate?
• Have you experienced increased thirst and excessive urination?

Your doctor may ask you additional questions about what medications you're taking and what your diet is like to help determine if you get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.