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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have hypercalcemia, you may have few or no signs and symptoms, particularly if your hypercalcemia is mild. More severe hypercalcemia symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle and joint aches
- Confusion
- Lethargy and fatigue
The amount of excess calcium in your blood isn't necessarily related to the severity of your signs and symptoms. For example, older people are more likely to have pain and weakness in their muscles.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms that may indicate hypercalcemia, such as being extremely thirsty, urinating frequently and having abdominal pain.
References
- Shane E. Etiology of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Shane E, et al. Treatment of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Disorders of calcium concentration. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec12/ch156/ch156g.html. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
- Parathyroid surgery. American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient_education/index.shtml. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
- Hypercalcemia (PDQ) health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/hypercalcemia/HealthProfessional. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
- Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
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