Dani* plopped down in front of me, clearly frustrated. She was tired of feeling exhausted, moody, and achy all the time. She wanted her life back.
Dani had never been sure she wanted to have children, but as she approached 37, she realized that the choice would soon be taken from her. We had a full preconception care review, and she completed all the necessary tests. Five months later, she returned, glowing with excitement, waving a positive pregnancy test.
Unlike many expectant mothers who experience fatigue and nausea, Dani was bursting with energy. She followed a strict pregnancy routine working out, doing yoga, eating well, staying hydrated, and taking prenatal vitamins religiously. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly, and when labor came, she opted for a natural birth. By early evening, she welcomed a healthy baby girl into the world.
Dani thrived in motherhood, exclusively breastfeeding for six months and effortlessly returning to her pre-pregnancy weight. However, things took a drastic turn when her daughter turned ten months old. She began feeling inexplicably exhausted, a condition she initially attributed to returning to full-time work.
Her once-enjoyable exercise routine became a grueling chore. She struggled to wake up for her workouts, which had previously been a source of joy. Muscle and joint pain plagued her, and she found herself unable to sleep well. Her appetite declined, and she generally felt unwell.
A shocking new symptom emerged depression. Dani had always been a vibrant and positive person, excelling in her career in performing arts. Now, she found herself withdrawing from colleagues, dreading social engagements, and barely making it through the day.
She was desperate for answers, assuming her symptoms were related to postpartum changes. When she visited my office, her physical examination was normal. We ran a full panel of tests, which revealed no anemia, infections, thyroid dysfunction, or kidney or liver abnormalities. With no clear diagnosis, I referred her to multiple specialists.
A week later, at 3 a.m., Dani called in agony. She was rushing to the emergency room with excruciating right-sided abdominal pain. The emergency doctor ordered an ultrasound, revealing that a kidney stone was blocking her right ureter, causing urine buildup and severe pain. Urologists performed lithotripsy to remove the stone, but further tests revealed an underlying cause primary hyperparathyroidism.
This condition occurs when the parathyroid gland overproduces parathyroid hormone due to a benign tumor (parathyroid adenoma). This hormone regulates calcium levels, and an overactive gland causes excessive calcium release from bones and increased absorption from food. This leads to weak bones, kidney stones, fatigue, depression, muscle pain, and heart issues.
Dani’s case was unusual, as the condition typically affects postmenopausal women. She underwent surgery to remove the overactive gland, allowing her remaining glands to restore normal calcium regulation. She now faces long-term monitoring but is finally on the road to recovery regaining the life she once loved.
