Parathyroid Chicago | Calcium Levels in the Body | Chicago ENT

Calcium Levels in the Body

How do the parathyroids affect calcium?

X-ray of broken clavicle

The parathyroid glands are small glands in the neck close to the thyroid gland. They are the main regulators of calcium in the blood, and too much or too little calcium can cause significant problems. The hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland works to increase the level of calcium in the blood. The primary way is by removing calcium from the bones. The bones, however, do not only store the calcium but also require it for strength.

Elevated calcium blood levels indicate decreased bone calcium.

When your parathyroid functions normally, only a small amount of calcium is removed from the bones. If too much parathyroid hormone is produced, too much calcium is removed from your bones. The result is osteoporosis (brittle bones) and a higher risk of fracture.

When are calcium levels too high?

The normal range for calcium in the blood is about 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dl. If the calcium level is greater than 10.5 mg/dl, there is too much calcium (hypercalcemia) in the blood, and the elevated levels can kill cells or cause other complications. If your calcium levels are either too high or too low, you should call Chicago ENT to determine what is causing the abnormal calcium levels in your blood.

Problems caused by high blood calcium levels:

  • Kidney stones or kidney disease
  • Muscle weakness
  • Memory loss, confusion
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pains
  • Peptic ulcers
  • High blood pressure and congestive heart failure

Heart malfunctions

When calcium levels have been restored to a normal level, the parathyroid glands should stop producing the parathyroid hormone. Occasionally, one or more of the parathyroid glands become diseased and continue making the parathyroid hormone, causing both the parathyroid hormone level and the calcium level to increase. This is called hyperparathyroidism and is usually due to the development of a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on one of the parathyroid glands. Very rarely, this could be due to parathyroid cancer.

What causes high blood calcium levels?

The most common cause for high calcium levels is hyperparathyroidism: an elevated parathyroid hormone level.
What does the parathyroid hormone do?

  • It increases the amount of calcium absorbed from food
  • It increases the amount of calcium reabsorbed back into the body by the kidneys
  • It releases calcium from bones

Locations

Chicago ENT has five convenient locations throughout the greater Chicago area. For the exact location and/or directions, simply click on the map next to your desired location. To book an appointment, call 773-296-5500 to speak to a scheduler or conveniently online 24/7.

Advanced Center for Specialty Care
3000 N. Halsted Street, Suite #400
Chicago, IL  60657

Phone: 773-296-5500

Office hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Allergy Shot Clinic hours:
Monday 8:30 am -4 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday 9 am- 11:30 am
*Shot appointments are by appointment only
*All patient’s are required to wait 30 minutes after receiving allergy shot(s)

Map of the Chicago ENT Lincoln Park Location

St. Mary’s Hospital Professional Building
2222 W. Division Street,
Suite #330
Chicago, IL  60622

Phone: 773-296-5500
Map of the Chicago ENT Bucktown Location

8930 Gross Point Road,
Suite #700
Skokie, IL 60077

Phone: 773-262-4110
Map of the Chicago ENT Skokie Location

Swedish Covenant Hospital
5140 N. California Avenue,
Suite #600
Chicago, IL  60625

Phone: 773-296-5500
Map of the Chicago ENT Chicago North Location

2522 W. Peterson Avenue
Chicago, IL 60659

Phone: 773-262-4110
Map of the Chicago ENT Peterson Location

St. Joseph Ascension Health Outpatient Pavilion
2845 N. Sheridan Rd,
Suite #807
Chicago, IL 60657

Phone: 773-296-5500
Map of the Chicago ENT Lakeview Location