From the Research
Yes, hypercalcemia can cause fatigue, as approximately 20% of people with mild hypercalcemia experience constitutional symptoms such as fatigue and constipation. Hypercalcemia, which is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood, can interfere with normal nerve and muscle function throughout the body, leading to weakness and tiredness. Other symptoms that often accompany fatigue in hypercalcemia include muscle weakness, confusion, lack of concentration, bone pain, abdominal discomfort, and increased urination. The severity of fatigue typically correlates with the degree of calcium elevation, with more pronounced symptoms occurring at higher calcium levels.
Causes and Treatment
- The underlying causes of hypercalcemia can be primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, granulomatous disease, endocrinopathies, immobilization, genetic disorders, or certain medications and supplements 1.
- Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of hypercalcemia and may involve increasing fluid intake, medications like bisphosphonates or calcitonin to lower calcium levels, and treating the primary condition.
Key Considerations
- Mild hypercalcemia usually does not need acute intervention, but severe hypercalcemia requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications such as kidney damage and cardiac arrhythmias 1.
- The prognosis for asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism is excellent with either medical or surgical management, while hypercalcemia of malignancy is associated with poor survival 1.
- In patients with severe hypercalcemia, denosumab can be used as a bridge to surgery when immediate surgical management is not feasible due to severe systemic illness 2.