What is Hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is the medical term for having higher-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. While calcium is crucial for healthy bones, nerves, and muscles, an excess can cause significant health problems, from mild to severe and even life-threatening. Symptoms of hypercalcemia can vary depending on the severity but may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, digestive issues, fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion, and eventually coma if left untreated. Identifying the root cause is the first and most critical step toward effective treatment.
Common Causes of High Calcium
High blood calcium levels are most often caused by two primary conditions: primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer. However, several other factors can also contribute:
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism: This condition involves one or more of the four parathyroid glands in the neck becoming overactive and releasing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates calcium levels, and excessive amounts can cause calcium to be released from the bones into the bloodstream.
- Malignancy (Cancer): Certain types of cancer, particularly lung, breast, and multiple myeloma, can cause hypercalcemia. This can happen either because cancer has spread to the bones, causing bone breakdown and calcium release, or because the cancer cells produce a hormone-like protein that mimics PTH.
- Excessive Vitamin D Intake: Very high, prolonged intake of vitamin D supplements can lead to increased calcium absorption from the digestive tract, resulting in hypercalcemia.
- Certain Medications: Medications such as thiazide diuretics or lithium can increase blood calcium levels as a side effect.
- Inactivity or Immobility: For individuals who are bedridden for long periods, bones can release calcium into the blood due to lack of weight-bearing activity.
- Dehydration: This is a common and easily reversible cause of mild hypercalcemia. Less fluid in the body concentrates the blood calcium level.
Medical Treatments for High Calcium
Treating hypercalcemia involves addressing the underlying cause and managing the elevated calcium levels. The approach depends on the severity and cause of the condition.
Comparison of Hypercalcemia Treatments
| Treatment Method | Mechanism | Typical Use Case | Potential Side Effects & Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV Fluids and Diuretics | Rapid rehydration helps the kidneys excrete calcium. Diuretics like furosemide can further increase calcium excretion. | Hospitalization for severe hypercalcemia, often a first-line emergency treatment. | Requires careful electrolyte monitoring to avoid imbalances. |
| Bisphosphonates | Slows down the release of calcium from bones by inhibiting osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. | Moderate to severe hypercalcemia, particularly that caused by cancer. | Jaw osteonecrosis and thigh fractures are rare but serious risks. |
| Calcitonin | A hormone that controls blood calcium levels by decreasing the absorption of calcium from bone. | Often used in conjunction with other treatments for severe hypercalcemia. | Can cause nausea and flushing. Efficacy diminishes after a few days. |
| Calcimimetics (e.g., Cinacalcet) | Mimics calcium on parathyroid glands, causing them to release less PTH. | Overactive parathyroid glands due to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. | Close supervision is required due to potential for hypocalcemia. |
| Glucocorticoids (Steroids) | Decreases intestinal absorption of calcium. | Hypercalcemia caused by high vitamin D levels or certain inflammatory diseases. | Short-term use is preferred due to steroid side effects. |
| Parathyroid Surgery | Removal of an overactive parathyroid gland or glands. | Primary hyperparathyroidism, which is the most common cause of non-cancer-related hypercalcemia. | Highly successful in most cases, providing a definitive cure. |
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
For mild hypercalcemia, or as a supportive measure for more serious cases, certain lifestyle changes are recommended by healthcare providers.
How to Modify Your Diet and Habits
- Increase Fluid Intake: Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important and effective steps for mild hypercalcemia. Staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess calcium through the urine.
- Reduce Calcium Supplementation: If you are taking calcium supplements, antacids, or multivitamins containing calcium, your doctor will likely advise you to stop or lower the dose. Be sure to follow medical advice closely before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen.
- Watch Vitamin D Intake: High doses of vitamin D can significantly increase calcium absorption. If your hypercalcemia is linked to excess vitamin D, your doctor will advise you to limit or stop supplementation. Sunlight exposure is a natural source of vitamin D, but it's important to discuss any changes with a healthcare provider. It is important to remember that sunlight exposure does not cause dangerously high vitamin D levels.
- Limit High-Calcium Foods (If Recommended): In some cases, reducing dietary calcium may be advised, although it is not the primary solution for conditions like hyperparathyroidism. Your doctor may suggest cutting back on high-calcium dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) and calcium-fortified foods like cereals. Some foods high in oxalic acid, such as spinach, can inhibit calcium absorption, though it is not a recommended treatment. A low-calcium diet alone cannot solve most hypercalcemia cases.
- Exercise Regularly: For those experiencing hypercalcemia due to prolonged immobility, regular exercise can help reverse bone-related calcium release. Weight-bearing exercises in particular promote bone strength.
When to See a Doctor
Hypercalcemia can have serious consequences if left untreated, so medical consultation is always necessary. If you experience symptoms like extreme fatigue, increased thirst and urination, or confusion, seek immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to measure calcium and PTH levels, to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate course of action. For most patients, treating the root cause is the only definitive way to manage hypercalcemia effectively.
Conclusion
Addressing the question of how to get rid of too much calcium in your system starts with a clear diagnosis of the underlying cause. While mild cases may be managed with simple lifestyle changes like increased hydration and dietary adjustments, more severe or persistent hypercalcemia often requires specific medical treatments, including medication or surgery. Never attempt to self-diagnose or treat this condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best and safest path forward for your health. To learn more about medical treatments and diagnosis, visit the Mayo Clinic's hypercalcemia resource.
