Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is like the body's calcium regulator, produced by the small parathyroid glands located in your neck. Think of it as a thermostat for calcium levels, ensuring they stay within a healthy range. Calcium isn't just important for strong bones and teeth; it's also crucial for muscle movement, nerve function, and blood clotting.PTH manages calcium levels by controlling how much calcium is absorbed from your food, how much is released from your bones, and how much is excreted by your kidneys. It also influences the activation of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. By monitoring PTH levels, we gain insight into how well your body is balancing calcium and phosphorus—minerals vital for many bodily functions. Whether everything is in harmony or starting to shift, keeping an eye on PTH helps us understand your bone health and overall mineral balance.
Testing PTH levels helps assess how well your body is managing calcium and phosphorus balance. It's particularly important if you have symptoms of high or low calcium levels, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, or bone pain. It aids in diagnosing conditions like hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism and guides treatment decisions. For those with kidney disease or who've had thyroid or parathyroid surgery, monitoring PTH is crucial to manage their health effectively.
Several factors can influence PTH levels. Low calcium intake or vitamin D deficiency can cause PTH levels to rise as the body tries to maintain normal calcium levels. Kidney function plays a significant role because kidneys help convert vitamin D into its active form and excrete excess phosphorus. Certain medications, like lithium or steroids, can impact PTH levels. Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) or hypoparathyroidism (underactive glands) directly affect PTH production. Even lifestyle factors like diet, sun exposure (which affects vitamin D levels), and age can influence PTH levels.
If PTH levels are high or approaching high, increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements (as advised by a healthcare professional) can help. Addressing underlying issues like vitamin D deficiency or kidney problems is also important. In cases of overactive parathyroid glands, medication or surgery might be necessary.If PTH levels are low or near the lower limit, reducing excessive calcium or vitamin D intake may be recommended. Ensuring you're not over-supplementing and discussing your medications with a doctor can help bring PTH levels back to normal. Regular monitoring and working with a healthcare provider are key to maintaining healthy PTH levels and overall mineral balance.
If PTH levels are high or approaching high, increasing your intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements (as advised by a healthcare professional) can help. Addressing underlying issues like vitamin D deficiency or kidney problems is also important. In cases of overactive parathyroid glands, medication or surgery might be necessary.If PTH levels are low or near the lower limit, reducing excessive calcium or vitamin D intake may be recommended. Ensuring you're not over-supplementing and discussing your medications with a doctor can help bring PTH levels back to normal. Regular monitoring and working with a healthcare provider are key to maintaining healthy PTH levels and overall mineral balance.
Our baseline performance test designed for those who want to assess their health in relation to their training.
A thorough health check that provides a detailed assessment, specifically tailored to men's health. Includes PSA test.
