Vitamin D and the Parathyroid Glands 

Thank you for this video. It gave me great confidence when talking to my doctor and new test will be ordered. God bless.

My doctors have been giving me Vitamin D2 for YEARS. I have high calcium and high PTH and I have no idea how long. I decided to switch from their D2 50,000 IU a week to a D3/K2 supplement. My D levels got to 102, which I hear is not bad since we know how much it helps us fight off Covid. My endocrinologist tried to tell me I have secondary hyperparathyroidism. I think he has out of date information, because he also thinks high urine calcium must be present, which we know now that it doesn't have to be. He also thinks sestamibi scans are accurate and we know that they will often only locate one gland, or even none of the glands, when in fact, there are tumors. The GOLD standard remains high PTH and high calcium levels. I think I've suffered from this issue for years! My calcium levels are all over the place, from high nines to high 10's. It should be malpractice to be treated as I have in 2023. I'm so sick. I have nausea, vomiting, something like IBS. I have bone pain, brain fog, I can't sleep and I'm turning into an irritable unhappy woman. I also developed diastolic heart failure within the last two years and have to take diuretics, which are failing in efficiency. My GFR has been steadily decreasing. I need HELP! This endocrinologist I'm seeing is not helping me at all and tried to drag out tests for four more months!

Thanks a lot for this information. It's exactly what l was looking for. Thank you again, and God bless you Doc.

ThankU 4 being a great teacher

Your presentation is very helpful. Thank you!

Excellent information and so well presented, Dr. Forwith! I wish all primary care practitioners and all endocrinologists would absorb this information!

Fabulous video thank you.

Dr. Forwith, your videos are excellent. I have primary hyperparathyroidism and you have cleared up all my questions. My own doctor told me to start taking vit D again even though I haven't had the parathyroidectomy yet. I was so puzzled by that, but you explained it so well. I quit taking it until after the surgery. Thank you so much. God bless you.

Very clear explanation. Now I have better understanding of what is going on with me.

I have just been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. My calcium is up and Vit D is 48. I am suffering with grievous fatigue, massive brain-fog, insomnia and more. I am waiting to see a specialist. Is there any help to be had meantime?

Will MK7 get rid of excess calcium by transporting it to bones from blood…just wondering

Thank you

thanks good video

Thank you!!!!!!

Thank you very much i have FHH - Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia and your video halp me alots no more Vitamin D

Dr Chris MasterJohn was the first one to mention that one should tailor D3 dosage based on their PTH levels. You keep increasing dosage until your PTH drops to low normal, then you maintain that. Of course along with D3 cofactors.

Did you make a video after this one? I cannot find it.

it can I was 2 and went up to 3.8 on lupus meds and vit d at the time im hypo para do not have any it seems I have low calcium.

Wow. Invaluable information. Learned more in this video than from a year seeing an Endocrinologist (which is only two visits, due to the wait between appointments). Just had another CMP. Calcium was lower than it has been in two years, for some reason, at 10.2. PTH was 64 (was 88 in 11/2022). Per LabCorp, it's a "normal" result and so was not flagged. Problem is, I have been on taking Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, and MK-7 supplements, as I have had Secondary Osteoporosis since 32 years old. Now I am in the severe category of Osteoporosis, having fractured my sacrum in 2020, while sitting on a hardwood floor for an extended period of time. The assumption that has always been made (and which I had ignorantly accepted) was that the Secondary Osteoporosis is the result of having had Anorexia and Bulimia (which does seem like a logical assumption). Looking back at past bloodwork, though, it appears I've had a hyperparathyroid condition since 2006. When I questioned the results, reiterating the vitamins, minerals, and doses I am supplementing with, and which are already on my medication list, my doctor advised that stopping supplements prior to lab work is "not advisable", as it would not be accurately portraying the levels typically present in my blood and urine. Furthermore, she advised that the test results (Ca 10.2, PTH 64, at 53 years old) is "within the normal range", and so is refusing a retest. She explained that because the results are "within acceptable guidelines", my insurance may very well deny it (their office does NOT want to get involved with any insurance issues), and furthermore, since it's now "acceptable", it is unnecessary. I cannot even express how upset I am about all of this. I'm at the end of my rope, and am going to look elsewhere for a specialist. The state of our healthcare system in America is frightening. The more a person uses it, the easier it is to see just how broken it is. Thank you for refueling my determination to advocate for myself.

I have high calcium (10.5) and osteoporosis recently diagnosed. The pth level has not been tested, but may ent has me on vitamin D supplements. We need to have a talk!

I have quit taking my vitamin d supplement since viewing this. My pth has been 200s twice and 168 once in last 3 months of testing, with vitamin d levels being 10, 11,and 12 at last test. And calcium has been at just above high or at upper limit. I'm still waiting to see endo. Thank you for this video it is very helpful.

My PTH is extremely high my Vitamin D was super low at one point my magnesium and calcium was so low they gave me IV. I have one kidney it’s on a nephrostomy and now my creatinine is going up. Which has been stable for over ten years. My bones ache, I itch, I get brain fog, excessive sweating and severe fatigue, im at wits end with this.

Hi, at 2:39, you state vitamin D releases the Ca from the bones, but the text on the screen state, "PTH causes release," can you please clarify which is correct? Thank you.

I have a parathyroid tumor (scan showed suspected adenoma), high calcium (11.9), high PTH (95) and 1.25 dihydroxy Vitamin D @ 79.5pg/ml (increased from a couple years ago)- shouldnt my vit D levels be lower ? Am I a good candidate for surgery?

I have too much calcium in my blood and awaiting tests. However, my endocrinologist has told me to take vitamin D . I'm now concerned that this is not the correct advice! What should I do?

Just watched this great vid. I had total thyroidectomy 10 yrs ago and, aside from my Euthyrox 75mcg daily, my doctor had me on vit.D Rocaltrol and caltrate plus daily. And aside from regular labs on TSH, do i need to do labs for PTH?

Hi there, I'm a 48 year old male. Recent test results were: PTH Intact 54pg, Calcium 10.4mg. The week prior to that my calcium was 10.6mg and Vitamin D 42ng. 1 year ago my Vitamin D was 47ng. I have been taking a 3000 UI of Vitamin D3 for the past 2 years, and bumped up to 4000 UI plus Vitamin K2 100 mcg about 2 months ago. My Vitamin D was under 26ng prior to that as far back as 2019 (21ng). The lowest Vitamin D was 13ng in 2021, along with my Calcium at 10.5 on that same blood draw. Have an appointment to see an endocrinologist in July. Should I insist on an ultrasound/xray for parathyroid tumors? Oh, and I have had some symptoms, hypertension stage 1, chest pains with an ER visit; heart looked good in an xray, fatigue for as long as I can remember, acid reflux while sleeping. Thanks in advance.

My PTH is high, calcium is normal so my endocrinologist has put me on 50,000 vitamin D 1x a week for 8 weeks! Now I'm confused.... help.

I have normal calcium levels, however, I have low Vitamin D and my PTH has been slowing decreasing over the past two years. Started at 65, and is currently sitting at 30. I seem to have many of the symptoms of a parathyroid issue (fatigue, brain fog, constipation) but my PTH numbers aren’t high, they’re steadily declining, any info would be greatly appreciated!

Why do so many endos give patients with high PTH and Calcium a Vitamin D supplement? This is what I'm dealing with currently. Currently working with a surgeon so I can fire her.

I have normal pth and calcium yet my vitamin d level is 20 used to be 14. Ct scan showed thyroid is clear i have weight issues even with extreme food counting in grams clean eating etc. Some people say they wonder how i function with a low vitamin d level thst level. Dr prescribed 50,000 iu weekly levels dont go up. I also have high functioning Autism.

My Ca AU is normal but my PTH is high

Thank you for this information. I have been taking 50k IU of vitamin D once per week for several years for a vitamin D deficiency. My recent blood work showed Calcium of 10.6 (calcium numbers for the last 5 years have steadily increased), vitamin D of 28, and PTH of 66. I am a 55 year old woman and wondering what your opinion is? I really find your videos so helpful! Thank you.

Excellent presentation but now I am wondering why my doctor didn't check my vitamin D level. My calcium was 10.8, five days later it was 11.2 so she checked the PTH and it was 135. I feel really sick and couldn't get an appt with the endocrinology surgeon for 5 weeks. Hmmmm.

I have been recently diagnosed with this and it's critically low I had infusion and taking meds what are home remedies if any

high calcium and low pth with high protein causes

My PTH intact is 131.0, and my calcium PTH is 9.2, and Vit D is 28. Is that normal? Thanks, sir. I'm concerned because I just started Trulicity....

Hi Dr. Keith Forwith, I had surgery to remove 1 out of the 4 parathyroid and PTH and calcium are back to normal levels. I'm currently taking 3,000ui of Vitamin D every day, is that ok, or could I cause any trouble to the remaining 3 glands in the future? Also, what is the recommendation to patients like me for the years to come? Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

My vit d is low and pth is high and I am on vitamin d supplements

Normal calcium, high pth, pth got in normal range after d3 supplementation while calcium at 9.9 from 9.6. Dexa scan reveals ostopenia and osteoporosis for foerarm scan.what does this mean?

My PTH is slightly high, calcium is within normal limits, and vitamin d is normal. A scan indicated a parathyroid nodule on one gland. Is it recommended to have that gland removed? What causes these nodules? Is there another option other than removal?

My PTH is elevated at 76 pg/mL (15-65) My Calcium is 9.2 mg/dL (8.7-10.2) My Ionized Calcium is 4.8 mg/dL (4.5-5.6) My Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is 8.2 ng/mL (30-100) Does my case seem like it would be caused by a parathyroid adenoma? Or does it seem more like secondary hyperparathyroidism? This is the first time my PTH has come back out of range high, it had been lingering near the very top of normal until my most recent blood draw. I'd really appreciate your opinion.

I have 270 PTH borderline high calcium, osteoporosis and stage 3 kidney disease. On calcium & vitamin D3. What do I do?

Hi Dr., My Intact PTH is 75. Are there ranges of severity? My Endocrinologist can't see me until August. Does that sound reasonable?

Dr Keith, what is your opinion on having a genetic test for MEN 1 and FIH if a YOUNG patient has been diagnosed with an adenoma on one of the parathyroid? Should every young patient have a genetic test before removing one of the affected adenoma in the parathyroid?

Hello Doctor My pth level is 80 pg/mL. My vitamin d level is 24 ng/mL and calcitriol level is 26 pg/mL. My calcium level is 9 mg/dL and my ionized calcium is 4.6 mg/dL. My phosphorus is low normal. I have high urinary calcium. Is this primary hyperparathyroidism?

Can you please comment on reasons why one might have an elevated PTH, say 95, and NORMAL calcium, say 9.4?

What if you have high PTH, high calcium and normal Vit. D level? I have been taking 10,000iu D daily but suddenly not feeling well and we found the high PTH and high calcium. Would this still be the parathyroid no functioning as it should. Does D3 with K2 really make a difference? Plus started having hives that won't go away.

Hello sir I'm 19 years old... My calcium level is 10.19 and my vitamin D hydroxide 25 blood test show 40.68ng/ml ....and tsh test is normal.... I have been having crepitus all over my body since 1 moth wha could be the cause

Hi Dr Forwith, I am 54y. Since the last 5 years my serum Ca level has been increasing steadily from 10 to 10.5. My Vit D is 54 (within normal range) and PTH, intact is 32 pg/ml (within normal range). Since the last 6 months I have been having pain in fingers, thumb-wrist junction, hips, ankle and severe headache and neck-shoulder pain and stiffness. Are these related to the high Ca level?

Very Interesting. My PTH is high (96), my D is high normal (60), my Calcium is Normal BUT is Low after you calculate Calcium/Albumin ratio. Urine shows high output of Calcium.. Any ideas..?

what if your vitamin D level 127.1 and PTH level 119 are both very high and calcium is at 8.9. I l already have osterposis

If you think you have a parathyroid tumor don't give blood it confuses doctors, and you can't explain it to them. You have approximately 10 pints of blood and if you take one out it drops vitamins in the blood by about 10%. It will reduce the calcium in the blood along with Vitamin D. With a lower amount of vitamin D your calcium will have a slow start to climbing back up, but it will. You can't explain the process to doctors either. also, if you give blood your kidneys won't have much calcium to filter out into the urine and that confuses them as well. *Keith will tell you that without vitamin D you can absorb calcium. High calcium hinders Iron absorption. Just some food for thought.

Hi Dr, I’m a 34 year old male and have had a blood calcium around 10.6 to 10.8 for 5 years. Ionized calcium is a 1.39 mmol and PTH is a 23. Having the weakness and fatigue in arms/legs with the GERD symptoms for years. My doctor said I may just be someone who has ‘slightly elevated’ calcium bc my other blood labs were normal. I wanted to get your thoughts? I think I do have hyperparathyroid.

But what about when someone genuinely has a vitamin D deficiency? If I have understood correctly, this would result in a profile of high calcium in urine but low blood calcium, no?

Looking for help for my husband, he has had 2 parathyroid glands removed because of high calcium. That was 3 years ago (2017). Now his calcium is up to 11 and his doctor says he may have to have another gland removed. He is on thyroid medication. Any resources I can research, any advice. I am working on reducing meat protein in his diet. He is 71 years old.

My pth is 80 and sustained calcium 11.0 for 2 years i am sched for parathyroid surg in sept i have addisons amd hypothyroid i pretty much much feel terrible all of the time , while my pth is not crazy high im doung anything to get well i hope im making the right decisions , i take 10 k iu everyday could this parathyroid be a false positive? I will discontine my D

Every Dr says take more vite D. Read that taking low amount may get body to reduce calcium. Are you talking 25 OH labs as someone told me his vite D was low but got Dr to do a active form of vite D ( 1,25 OH made from 25 OH? in liver?) and it was high. Are there other reasons for high calcium?

My 8 year old son was born with only 3 glands he don’t have calcium and he gets seizure when his calcium goes down it’s very scary and I have no too much knowledge of it because of that language. Barrier 😭😭😭😭

My pth 140.7,calcium 10,USG scan reveal no adenoma of parathyroid,but I have bone pain.What to do next?

I agree. Maybe. A doctor once told me the opposite. Calcium at 11.0, PTH at 52. Adding vitamin D will keep the blood level of calcium from getting too high. On the other hand, restricting vitamin D could result in eventual bone decalcification.

Dr Keith, my niece ,25, has the following results in a recent blood test July taken in (she also has pcos and autistic-age ) FT3-3.5 FT4-10.8IUM-2.96 PTH-9.7 TSH=2.4 VITAMIN D-49 CALCIUM-2.87 CORRECTED CALCIUM-2.88 An ultrasound shows an adenoma on the right parathyroid. The endocrinologist said that it needs to be removed. Funnily, I was the one who pointed out the raised calcium levels from the blood tests and asked him to investigate further! It was only after that request that an utra sound was recommended. I am really concerned, he says that he will recommend a very good ENT who is knowledgeable with the parathyroid and who will carry out the procedure. I am in the UK. What do you think, I would REALLY appreciate some words of guidance. The Endo says I need to increase her vitamin D to 4,000 IU's twice a week.

Interesting. Most advice is to supplement Vitamin D in Northern countries during the winter (due to so few hours of sunshine) and to ward off Covid-19. Thoughts?

Can you have hyperparathyroidism with a normal calcium level? My blood calcium level is normal, but I've got osteoporosis and calcium oxalate kidney stones. My vitamin D level is a bit low, 28.5. I have lower back pain, some bone pain, joint pain, fatigue, constipation, and heart arrhythmia occasionally and palpitations sometimes. My PTH has not been tested. I've also had head and neck radiation for cancer in my early twenties.

My parathyroid level is 111 and my calcium is good level. My vitamin d is slightly low does just mean things are running okay but my parathyroid is functioning slightly abnormal. Do you think adding more vitamin d would help? What about cutting out all sources of foreign chem calls that could disrupt your system such as herbicide and pesticide?

Too bad that only the one who can get cut those tumors out it is $15,000 dollars and a first consultation topped to $1,789 dollars and who can afford that kind of surgery? St Dr. James Norman parathyroid Center?

I had high calcium in the blood, normal PTH, and Low Vitamin D, and my doctor still prescribed me Vitamin D supplements and keep dismissing my concerns about the high blood calcium levels .

Please help me understanding these results. Mchc 31.0 cbc with differental blood test Pth infact 115.1 & 25 vitamin d 8 Protein mg/dl Value trade Leukocyte 3t My mouth is always dry. Frequent urination, extreme body aches and extreme fatigue, nauseous, vomiting, pre-diabetic & fatty liver disease. I just got blood work results from yesterday. I'm preparing for bariatric surgery. Help me walk into my next appointment knowledgeable please

Hi i have underactive thyroid and hypo parathyroid... i have decided to wean myself off thyroid medication, and supplementing what my body needs...i am takin b12 complex, magnesium, zinc,iron, seleium vit A,k,and e however i am worried about my parathyroid how do i wean myself off... should i just concentrate on havin vit D only or take less of cal d and vit d

Should we take k2 or magnesium ? To keep out of the blood?

My calcium lives in the 10s (early) my pth is rising from 20 to 58 and I am always deficient in D I have kidney stones and also hypothyroid and adrenal insufficiency I always feel sick no one will help me , I take 20k iu a day per endocrine uggg I'm so frustrated!!!and while I realize the pth is not considered abnormal I also know something is not right !

I have high pth, low vitamin d and normal calcium. They found multiple nodules in my thyroid and other areas of the neck. I have so much pain. Hoarseness of the voice and had a biopsy. Could it be a tumor?

Havnt checked pth, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D are both high??

My PTH is 236 what’s the normal range?

Hi doctor I have only 3 parathyroid glands because I had a surgery 20 years ago that it been removed one but in the last test of PTH is 92 is this mean I have a tumor?

My parathyroid level is 148 and my calcium is good level 102. but my My vitamin d is less than 20 , do you think this high parathyroid happend bcz my vitamin d is low ?? plz response me . thanks alot .

In 2005, I had 3.5 parathyroids surgically removed. Now, that half of parathyroid has become an over achiever and PTH is now 10.5. In the past I had100+ kidney stones (6 lithotripsies). I once again have stones, fatigue, etc.