PTH

Parathyroid Hormone

What's

PTH

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) is an essential hormone made by your parathyroid glands, which are four tiny glands situated behind your thyroid gland in your neck. Its main function is to control the amounts of calcium and phosphorus in your body, two minerals that are crucial for the normal operation of your cells and organs. PTH does this by working on your bones, kidneys, and intestines. When calcium levels decrease, PTH encourages your bones to release calcium into your bloodstream, tells your kidneys to hold onto calcium, and helps your intestines to take in more calcium from the food you consume. In short, PTH is the central figure in maintaining the delicate balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body, making sure your cells and organs work correctly.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated PTH levels might mean that your body is putting in extra effort to keep the right balance of calcium and phosphorus. This can happen for various reasons, such as not getting enough calcium or vitamin D from your diet, or taking certain medications that affect how your body absorbs or gets rid of calcium. Sometimes, high PTH levels can also point to a condition called hyperparathyroidism, which is when your parathyroid glands are too active. This can be caused by non-cancerous growths or other changes in the glands. Keep in mind that everyone's situation is different, and many factors can influence PTH levels.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of PTH could include fatigue, depression, bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent urination, kidney stones, or abdominal pain.

If Your Levels are Low

Low PTH levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this important hormone, which can be due to various reasons. For example, certain medications, like diuretics or anticonvulsants, might affect PTH production, or you might not be getting enough nutrients like magnesium. Another possibility is hypoparathyroidism, a condition where your parathyroid glands don't produce enough PTH, messing up the balance of calcium and phosphorus in your body and potentially impacting how your cells and organs work. Additionally, consuming too much calcium or vitamin D, or having surgery that affects the parathyroid glands, could also contribute to low PTH levels.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of PTH could include muscle cramps or spasms, tingling in the lips, fingers, and toes, fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss.

See References

Test for

Parathyroid Hormone

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

BostonHeart Diagnostics

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH). Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

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High Levels

Low Levels

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