Could Your Calcium Levels Be Out of Balance?

When your body feels off, more tired than usual, muscle cramps that don’t go away, or a strange tingling in your hands, it’s easy to brush it off. But sometimes, those quiet signs are your body’s way of saying something isn’t quite right. One possible cause? A calcium disorder.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, we often meet patients who come in simply because they feel “not themselves.” Dr Tay Tunn Lin helps uncover the root of these symptoms and provides thoughtful, individualised care.

What Is a Calcium Disorder?

Your body needs calcium to keep your bones strong, but also to help your heart beat steadily, your muscles contract, and your nerves function. When calcium levels drop too low or rise too high, your entire system can feel the effects.

There are two main types of calcium imbalance:

• Hypocalcaemia – when calcium is too low

• Hypercalcaemia – when calcium is too high

Sometimes these changes develop slowly. You might feel more tired, forgetful, or anxious than usual. In other cases, the signs are more physical, cramps, dry skin, or a tingling face. And occasionally, there are no symptoms at all, just a surprise from a routine blood test.

When Calcium Is Too Low

Low calcium, or hypocalcaemia, often shows up after surgery involving the neck, with low vitamin D levels, or in people who have kidney or parathyroid gland issues.

The good news? It may be treatable.

Your plan may include:

• Calcium supplements to restore levels gently

• Vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium better

• Magnesium support if needed

• Food-based changes to naturally increase calcium intake

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, Dr Tay Tunn Lin explains not just what to take, but why each step matters, so you always understand the “why” behind the care.

When Calcium Is Too High

High calcium (hypercalcaemia) may be caused by overactive parathyroid glands, certain medications, or medical conditions. People sometimes notice feeling unusually thirsty, nauseous, or “foggy.” Others only find out after a blood test.

Treatment options may include:

• Adjusting or stopping medications that affect calcium

• Drinking more fluids to help kidneys flush out excess calcium

• Prescribed medication to lower calcium levels

• Surgery to remove an overactive gland, if that’s the cause

If surgery is needed, Dr Tay Tunn Lin works closely with trusted surgeons and continues your care before and after the procedure. You’ll remain supported at Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital.

Ongoing Support for Long-Term Health

For some, calcium disorders are a one-off. For others, they require ongoing care. Regular follow-ups help ensure everything stays balanced and you feel well in the long run.

This may include:

• Periodic blood tests to check calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels

• Bone scans if you’re at risk of bone loss

• Diet and supplement reviews to avoid excess or deficiency

• Fine-tuning medications when needed

Dr Tay Tunn Lin tailors your care to your lifestyle, because support should feel like it fits into your life, not disrupt it.

When Should You Get Checked?

You may want to talk to your doctor if you:

• Feel exhausted, dizzy, or unusually irritable

• Experience muscle cramps or numbness

• Have a thyroid or kidney condition

• Are taking long-term supplements or steroids

• Have had surgery involving your neck or glands

Even small changes in calcium can have a big impact. The earlier you check, the easier it is to manage.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling unsure about what your body is telling you, or you already know your calcium levels are off, it’s okay to ask for support.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, Dr Tay Tunn Lin takes the time to explain your results clearly and work with you to decide what comes next.

Because understanding your body is the first step in caring for it. And when it comes to your health, clarity is everything.