If parathyroid hormone is low. Functional role of parathyroid hormone in the body


What's happened parathyroid hormone and why is it needed? In order for the muscles to have the opportunity to contract, and at the same time the person to move, so that nerve cells sent signals to receptors of organs and systems human body In order for the hemolymph to coagulate at the right time, and we would not be in danger of bleeding, for all this, calcium must be present in our blood. Parathyroid hormone increases the intestinal absorption of calcium, which then enters the blood, for which PTH releases some of this substance from the bones.

Parathyrin production

What is this PTH hormone? Parathyrin, parathyroid hormone or PTH are synonyms for parathyroid hormone. Its production is the task of the parathyroid glands. They are located on the back of the thyroid gland. There are 4 of these auxiliary glands in the body, although there may be fewer or more. The parathyroid glands are responsible for the functioning of bones, motor and nervous systems body. Parathyrin, which they produce, consists of more than 80 different amino acids. The reason for its formation in the human body is an imbalance of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the blood fluid. If there is not enough calcium in the hemolymph to support vital functions, parathyroid hormone borrows it from the bone tissues. This is not very useful for the bones, but in a critical situation it saves the situation.

Parathyroid hormone also increases calcium reuptake in the kidneys by activating vitamin D3. Immediately when the calcium level rises to the required value, the production of this hormone stops. Thus, the hormone parathyroid hormone plays a kind of “first aid” role.

The essence of the process is explained by the fact that the glands that generate calcium have special receptors that immediately sense a deficiency of calcium cations and trigger the secretion of the hormone. The level of PTH presence in heme varies depending on the time of day - it is most abundant at 3 p.m. and least at 7 a.m. The half-life of parathyrin is 2 – 4 minutes.

The work of parathyrin in the human body

The hormone performs the following functions:

  • reduces the excretion of calcium in the urine;
  • increases phosphorus excretion;
  • in case of calcium deficiency in the blood fluid, it replenishes its content;
  • when there is an excess of calcium in the hemolymph, it helps it be deposited in the bones.

From the above it is clear that parathyroid hormone controls the maintenance of the required percentage of calcium and the removal of excess phosphorus. The final function of PTH, transporting excess calcium into the bones, is used by doctors to treat osteoporosis. For this purpose it was synthesized special drug teriparatide.

Violation of the normal amount of PTH

Symptoms of elevated PTH

A deviation of the parathyrin indicator in any direction from the norm indicates the presence of a disease or congenital pathology. Symptoms of its increased content:

  • increased calcium value in venous blood analysis;
  • low amount of phosphorus;
  • detection of sand in the kidneys, urolithiasis;
  • stomach ulcer disease;
  • suspected decreased bone density;
  • gout disease;
  • periodically rising blood pressure;
  • constant thirst;
  • frequent urination;
  • child growth retardation;
  • weakening and loss healthy teeth.

Kidney stones and stomach ulcers often have to be treated with surgery. Osteoporosis leads to brittle bones and frequent fractures. Gout is a very painful disease and difficult to treat. High arterial pressure leads to hypertensive crises and more dangerous consequences. Therefore, calcium imbalance must be identified in a timely manner and the parathyrin content must be brought back to normal using medication or operational methods as prescribed by a doctor.

Reason to see a doctor

If you feel the following signs of illness, it’s time to visit the clinic:

  • depression;
  • sweating, fatigue;
  • excessive nervousness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • muscle cramps;
  • frequent headaches;
  • broken bones with minor bruises.

All this says about possible violation secretion of parathyroid hormone. That is, a violation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism can be a symptom of sclerosis of vertebral tissues, oncological diseases of the thyroid or parathyroid glands, diseases of the urinary organs and other diseases. This dictates the need to analyze the amount of parathyroid hormone in the blood.

Decreased parathyroid hormone levels

If parathyroid hormone is low, characteristic signs are present:

  • increased excitability;
  • sensation of “pins and needles” on the legs and arms, numbness of the limbs;
  • spasmodic phenomena;
  • chills alternating with fever;
  • heart pain, tachycardia;
  • insomnia;
  • memory impairment;
  • dryness skin and a tendency to hair loss.

A decrease in the indicator is a rather rare occurrence. As a rule, it occurs after unsuccessful operations on the thyroid gland, resulting in impaired blood supply to the parathyroid glands. Such pathologies are corrected by taking calcium tablets and taking vitamin D. Otherwise, a lack of these substances can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the heart, intestines, and decreased muscle activity.

Diagnosis of hormone secretion disorders

The first thing to do when feeling unwell with the above symptoms, go to an endocrinologist. The doctor will conduct visual inspection, will listen to complaints and refer you for examination. First of all, the doctor will refer the patient for an analysis of biochemical parameters of venous blood. To do a parathyroid hormone test, you need to prepare in advance. 3 days before visiting the laboratory, you should eat low-fat foods, do not eat sweets, do not sweeten tea, and avoid drinking alcohol. On the eve of the test, you can eat 3–4 hours before bedtime. Then until 12 o'clock at night you can drink only water. 8 hours before the injection into a vein, you should not eat or drink anything. Fast longer so that the analysis shows an objective result.

Norm and deviations

PTH levels depend on the gender and age of the patient, as well as on the reagents used in the analysis.

Table “Normal parathyroid hormone”:

In children from birth to 22 years of age, the PTH norm ranges from 12 to 95 pg/ml.

An excess of PTH relative to a given interval may mean:

  1. Primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. The first state is characterized increased activity parathyroid glands. It occurs in cases of tumor diseases of the glands, with an excess of milk-alkaline stimulation (begins with long-term use calcium carbonate, characterized by weakness, vomiting, renal failure) and for other diseases. The second condition is associated with a significant deficiency of calcium in the hemolymph. It is characterized by renal failure, a deterioration in the production of vitamin D by the kidneys, a decrease in the process of calcium absorption by the intestines in case of problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract or in case of pancreatic insufficiency. Both types of hyperparathyroidism with elevated PTH can be a consequence of the degeneration of cells into a cancerous form, a consequence of rickets, Crohn's disease ( dangerous disease intestines).
  2. Tumor condition of the pancreas.

A decrease in the level relative to the norm of parathyroid hormone threatens:

  1. Overactivity of the parathyroid glands or insufficient calcium production, which, in this case, can be caused by a lack of magnesium, sarcoidosis (this benign disease, related to granulomatous processes in individual tissues of the body), lack of vitamin D, consequences of surgical intervention in work thyroid gland.
  2. Development of osteoporosis.

A blood test for parathyroid hormone allows a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor prepares a treatment regimen based on the results of related studies.

Treatment for deviations from the normal level of parathyroid hormone

If there is a lack of PTH, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for a long period of time or for life.

If there is an excess of PTH, surgical treatment. This means that part of one or more parathyroid glands is removed. In this way it is possible to reduce the secretion of the hormone. If there is cancer glands, remove it entirely. After complete resection of the gland, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed.

To prevent an increase in the level of the hormone, you need to know that its content increases when taking certain medications - such as steroids, some types of diuretics, anticonvulsants, phosphates, lithium, vitamin D, isoniazid, rifampicin. You cannot diagnose and prescribe treatment for yourself.

Parathyroid hormone is synthesized by the parathyroid glands. According to its chemical structure, it is a single-chain polypeptide, which consists of 84 amino acid residues, lacks cysteine ​​and has molecular weight 9500.

Synonyms: parathyroid hormone, parathyrin, PTH.

An increase in the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood may indicate the presence of primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, Solinger-Ellison syndrome, fluorosis, damage spinal cord.

The biological precursor of the hormone parathyroid hormone is proparathyroid hormone, which has 6 additional amino acids at the NH 2 end. Proparathyroid hormone is produced in the granular endoplasmic reticulum of the main cells of the parathyroid glands and is converted into parathyroid hormone due to proteolytic cleavage in the Golgi complex.

Functions of parathyroid hormone in the body

PTH has both anabolic and catabolic effects on bone tissue. His physiological role consists in influencing the population of osteocytes and osteoblasts, as a result of which the formation is inhibited bone tissue. Osteoblasts and osteocytes, under the influence of PTH, release insulin-like growth factor 1 and cytokines that stimulate osteoclast metabolism. The latter, in turn, secrete collagenase and alkaline phosphatase, which destroy the bone matrix. Biological effect carried out by binding to specific parathyroid hormone receptors (PTH receptors) located on the surface of cells. Parathyroid hormone receptors are located on osteocytes and osteoblasts, but are absent on osteoclasts.

Parathyroid hormone indirectly increases the excretion of phosphates by the kidneys, tubular reabsorption of calcium cations, and by inducing the production of calcitriol increases the absorption of calcium in small intestine. As a result of the action of PTH, the level of phosphate in the blood decreases, the concentration of calcium in the blood increases and decreases in the bones. In the proximal convoluted tubules, PTH stimulates the synthesis of active forms of vitamin D. In addition, the functions of parathyroid hormone include increasing gluconeogenesis in the kidneys and liver, increasing lipolysis in adipocytes (adipose tissue cells).

The concentration of parathyroid hormone in the body fluctuates throughout the day, which is associated with human biorhythms and physiological characteristics calcium metabolism. In this case, the maximum level of PTH in the blood is observed at 15:00, and the minimum – at approximately 7:00 am.

Pathological conditions, in which parathyroid hormone is elevated, are more common in women than in men.

The main regulator of parathyroid hormone secretion according to the principle feedback is the level of extracellular calcium (stimulating effect on the secretion of parathyroid hormone leads to a decrease in the concentration of calcium cations in the blood). Prolonged calcium deficiency leads to hypertrophy and proliferation of parathyroid cells. A decrease in the concentration of ionized magnesium also stimulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone, but less pronounced than in the case of calcium. High levels of magnesium inhibit hormone production (for example, in renal failure). Vitamin D3 also has an inhibitory effect on PTH secretion.

If the release of parathyroid hormone is disrupted, calcium is lost by the kidneys, washed out of the bones and absorption in the intestines is impaired.

When the concentration of parathyroid hormone increases, osteoclasts are activated, and bone resorption increases. This effect of PTH is mediated through osteoblasts, which produce mediators that stimulate the differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts. In the case of long-term elevated PTH, bone resorption prevails over its formation, which causes the development of osteopenia. With excessive production of parathyroid hormone, a decrease in bone density is observed (the development of osteoporosis), which increases the risk of fractures. Serum calcium levels in these patients are elevated because calcium is leached into the blood by parathyroid hormone. There is a tendency to stone formation in the kidneys. Calcinosis blood vessels and circulatory disorders can lead to the development ulcerative lesions gastrointestinal tract.

A decrease in the concentration of parathyroid hormone indicates primary or secondary hypoparathyroidism, as well as DiGeorge syndrome, active osteolysis.

Parathyroid hormone serves as a marker of dysfunction of the parathyroid glands, as well as the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. The main mediators of calcium homeostasis include PTH, calcitonin and vitamin D, the targets of which are the small intestine, kidneys and bone tissue.

Analysis for parathyroid hormone

If pathology of the parathyroid glands and impaired PTH metabolism are suspected, the concentration of this hormone in the blood is examined.

Typically, analysis is prescribed for the following conditions:

  • increased or decreased calcium levels in the blood;
  • osteoporosis;
  • cystic bone changes;
  • frequent bone fractures, pseudofractures of long bones;
  • sclerotic changes in the vertebrae;
  • urolithiasis with the formation of calcium phosphate stones in the kidneys;
  • suspicion of neoplasms of the parathyroid glands;
  • suspicion of multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2;
  • suspected neurofibromatosis.

For analysis, blood is taken from a vein on an empty stomach in the morning. At least 8 hours must pass after the last meal. Before collection, if necessary, you should consult with your doctor about taking calcium supplements. Three days before the test, it is necessary to exclude excessive physical exercise and stop drinking alcohol. On the eve of the study, exclude from the diet fatty foods, do not smoke on the day of the test. Half an hour before blood sampling, the patient must be in a state of complete rest.

The normal level of parathyroid hormone in the blood is 18.5–88 pg/ml.

Some medications distort the results of the analysis. An increased concentration of the hormone in the blood is observed in the case of the use of estrogens, anticonvulsants, phosphates, lithium, cortisol, rifampicin, isoniazid. Reduced values ​​of this indicator are observed under the influence of magnesium sulfate, vitamin D, prednisolone, thiazides, gentamicin, propranolol, diltiazem, and oral contraceptives.

Correction of a slight increase in parathyroid hormone concentration is carried out by drug therapy, diet and abundant drinking regime.

Conditions in which parathyroid hormone is increased or decreased

An increase in the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood may indicate the presence of primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism (against the background oncological process, rickets, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, chronic renal failure, hypervitaminosis D), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, fluorosis, spinal cord injuries. Pathological conditions in which parathyroid hormone is elevated occur more often in women than in men.

Signs of increased PTH: constant thirst, frequent urge to urination, muscle weakness, muscle pain when moving, skeletal deformation, frequent fractures, weakening of healthy teeth, stunted growth in children.

A decrease in the concentration of parathyroid hormone indicates primary or secondary hypoparathyroidism (may be due to magnesium deficiency, surgical interventions on the thyroid gland, sarcoidosis, vitamin D deficiency), as well as DiGeorge syndrome, an active process of destruction of bone tissue (osteolysis).

Symptoms of low concentrations of parathyroid hormone: muscle cramps, spasms in the intestines, trachea, bronchi, chills or high fever, tachycardia, heart pain, sleep disturbances, memory impairment, depressive states.

Correction of parathyroid hormone levels

Correction of a slight increase in parathyroid hormone concentration is carried out through drug therapy, diet and plenty of fluids. Calcium supplements and vitamin D are used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The diet includes foods rich in calcium, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids (vegetable oils, fish fat) And complex carbohydrates(mainly in the form of vegetables).

If the level of parathyroid hormone is elevated, its concentration can be reduced by limiting consumption table salt, as well as salted, smoked, marinated dishes and meat.

If there is too much parathyroid hormone, surgical resection of one or more parathyroid glands may be required. In case of malignant lesion, the parathyroid glands are subject to complete removal (parathyroidectomy) followed by hormone replacement therapy.

The concentration of parathyroid hormone in the body fluctuates throughout the day, which is associated with human biorhythms and the physiological characteristics of calcium metabolism.

In case of insufficiency of PTH, replacement is prescribed hormone therapy lasting from several months to several years, and sometimes lifelong. The duration of the course depends on the cause of parathyroid hormone deficiency.

If the concentration of parathyroid hormone increases or decreases, self-medication is unacceptable, as this worsens the situation and can lead to adverse, including life-threatening, consequences. The course of treatment should be carried out under the supervision of an endocrinologist with systematic monitoring of the content of PTH and microelements in the patient’s blood.

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Alternative names: parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH), parathyrin,English: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH, parathormone, parathyrin).

Parathyroid hormone is a hormone parathyroid gland and provides regulation calcium metabolism in organism. Determining the level of this hormone in the blood allows us to assess the consistency of the function of the parathyroid gland and suspect oncopathology of the endocrine glands.


A change in the concentration of PTH primarily affects the condition of bone tissue - an increase in the concentration of this hormone leads to the activation of osteoclasts and the leaching of calcium from the bones, which leads to a decrease in their strength and the occurrence of pathological fractures.


Calcium metabolism is closely related to the metabolism of phosphorus and other minerals, as well as to the excretory function of the kidneys. Therefore, determination of the concentration of parathyrin should be supplemented by a study of the concentration of calcium, phosphorus, as well as a study of the excretory function of the kidneys.

Research methods: linked immunosorbent assay, chemiluminescent immunoassay and radioimmunological method.

Indications for determining the indicator

  • hypocalcemia;
  • hypercalcemia;
  • osteoporosis (according to X-ray results);
  • pathological fractures;
  • endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2;
  • urolithiasis disease.

Preparing for analysis

Blood is donated on an empty stomach, no earlier than 12 hours after the last meal. Should be excluded nervous tension and heavy physical work on the eve of the test. If the patient is constantly taking medications, you should consult a doctor - some medications affect parathyroid hormone levels. Therefore, if possible, you should stop taking it 24 hours before the test. medicines. You should not drink alcohol the night before the test.

Material for research: venous blood. Serum is obtained from the blood by centrifugation, in which the level of the hormone is determined.

Reference values


Normal level parathyroid hormone depends to some extent on age. Depending on the equipment used, the concentration of the hormone can be expressed either in picomoles per liter - pm/l, or in picograms per milliliter - pg/ml.

PTH levels in different age categories:

  • up to 17 years – 1.3-10 ng/l (12-94 pg/ml);
  • from 17 to 70 years – 0.7-5.6 ng/l (3.6-52.8 pg/ml);
  • over 70 years – 0.5-12 ng/l (4.7-113 pg/ml).

According to the national laboratory diagnostic guidelines of 2012. An average level of 10-65 pg/ml is considered normal. It should be remembered that reference levels may vary slightly between laboratories.

Interpretation of results

The concentration of PTH is directly related to the concentration of calcium in the blood, and a change in the concentration of the hormone indicates a change in the metabolism of this mineral. Therefore, the level of parathyroid hormone must be correlated with the level of blood calcium.


A decrease in PTH levels is observed in the following cases:

With increased calcium concentration:

With hypocalcemia - hypofunction of the parathyroid gland.

An increase in parathyroid hormone levels is observed in the following cases:

Simultaneously with hypercalcemia:

  • parathyroid hyperplasia
  • parathyroid cancer
  • pituitary tumors;
  • pancreatic tumor (from islet tissue);
  • ectopic synthesis of parathyrin in tumors of other localizations - in breast cancer, lung cancer, adrenal gland.

Simultaneously with hypocalcemia:

  • renal failure leading to secondary hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland;
  • pseudohypofunction of the parathyroid gland.

Medicines that affect parathyroid hormone levels

Increase PTH levels: cortisol, anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid), nifedipine, estrogens, verapamil.

Reduce PTH levels: oral contraceptives, famotidine, gentamicin, prednisolone, vitamin D and its analogues.


Literature:

  1. Clinical laboratory diagnostics: national leadership: in 2 volumes - T. I. /?ed. V.V. Dolgova, V.V. Menshikov. - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2032. - 928 p.
  2. Clinical guidelines. Patient management standards. Issue 2. – M., GEOTAR Media, 2008. – 1376 p.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormonal substance that is biologically active. It is produced by the parathyroid glands. The chemical structure of the hormone is complex; it consists of several dozen amino acids. Approximately a third of them are responsible for the biological activity of PTH, and the rest ensure the binding of the substance to receptors and its stability.

The purpose of parathyroid hormone is to regulate the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Depending on their content, PTH secretion is stimulated or suspended.

Calcium and PTH

The amount of PTH directly depends on the level of calcium ions in the bloodstream. If it decreases, then the activity of the parathyroid glands that produce parathyroid hormone immediately increases.

The main mission that PTH must perform is maintaining the required amount of calcium cations in the blood. Its implementation includes several actions.

  • Under the influence of PTH, vitamin D is intensely activated in the kidneys. It is converted to calcitriol (a hormone-like substance). It stimulates the absorption of calcium by the intestines and its active entry from food into the blood.

    To successfully carry out this action, the body must have a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

  • Parathyroid hormone enhances the reabsorption of calcium cations from primary urine (glomerular ultrafiltrate). This happens at the level of the renal tubules. This reduces the loss of the substance in the urine, while increasing the excretion of phosphorus.
  • In conditions of calcium deficiency, PTH promotes its extraction from bone tissue and movement into the blood. The hormone increases the activity of osteoclasts - giant multinucleated cells that destroy bone tissue. They remove it by dissolving the mineral component and destroying collagen. Osteoclasts actively break bone beams and release calcium into the blood, which is formed during such actions. Its concentration in the life-giving liquid increases.

But there is also Negative consequences: the strength of bone tissue decreases, which means the likelihood of fractures increases.

It should be noted that this becomes possible only if the hormone exceeds the norm for a long time. With periodic and short-term entry of PTH into the blood, positive impact on bone tissue: it strengthens. Parathyroid hormone promotes the deposition of calcium in the bones if there is too much of it in the blood.

Parathyroid hormone is normal in women

IN female blood The normative level of parathyroid hormone changes rarely. It fluctuates depending on how old the fair sex is.

Until the age of twenty, the PTH content should be within the following limits (pg/ml):

  • minimum – 12.0;
  • maximum – 95.0.

All subsequent years, up to 70 years, the norm decreases, and its boundaries are as follows (pg/ml):

  • minimum – 9.5;
  • maximum – 75.0.

After 70 years, the lower value of the norm is fixed at 4.7, which is half the previous level. Upper permissible level PTH increases significantly and amounts to 117.0.

For women during pregnancy, the permissible level of parathyroid hormone should be in the following range (pg/ml):

  • minimum – 9.5;
  • maximum – 75.0.

Parathyroid hormone is normal in men

The optimal level of parathyroid hormone ranges from 12.0 to 65.0 (pg/ml). Normal PTH for men is no different from women's indicators.

  • minimum – 12.0;
  • maximum – 95.0.

From 23 to 70:

  • minimum – 9.5;
  • maximum – 75.0.

Over 70:

  • minimum – 4.7;
  • maximum – 117.0.

Although the range normal values is the same, it has been established that the production of the hormone increases with age to a greater extent in the fair sex.

Normal parathyroid hormone levels in children

The permissible amount of parathyroid hormone in children remains unchanged from the day of birth until adulthood (up to 22 years). Its interval is as follows (pg/ml):

  • minimum – 12.0;
  • maximum – 95.0.

Just like in adults, the amount of parathyroid hormone fluctuates throughout the day. This is due to the metabolism in the body and its biorhythms.

Diagnosis of PTH

Testing for parathyroid hormone is prescribed:

  • orthopedist;
  • endocrinologist;
  • therapist.

The need for research appears in the following cases:

  • Osteoporosis.
  • Urolithiasis with calculi (stones), which are predominantly composed of calcium and phosphorus.
  • Spinal sclerosis.
  • Possible neoplasm in the parathyroid gland.
  • Increased incidence of bone injuries and fractures in seemingly safe situations.
  • Reduced or higher level calcium in the body.
  • Changes in bone tissue.

The test is carried out in the morning. Before the procedure, you should follow the standard rules:

  • after dinner and before the test, do not eat anything;
  • do not touch alcohol the day before testing;
  • do not smoke at least one hour before diagnosis;
  • Sports or intense physical exercise should be suspended three days in advance.

Why does PTH decrease or increase?

Exceeding the level of parathyroid hormone most often indicates damage to the parathyroid glands. The disease is quite common; it is diagnosed three times more often in women.

Reasons for a persistent increase in parathyroid hormone:

  • Neoplasms in the thyroid and parathyroid glands, metastases to these organs from a tumor of a different location.
  • Rickets (vitamin D deficiency).
  • Crohn's disease.
  • Tumor in the pancreas.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Colitis.

Why is the level of parathyroid hormone reduced? Possible reasons decreases in the amount of parathyroid hormone are as follows:

  • The development of sarcoidosis is a systemic pathology affecting the lungs.
  • Magnesium deficiency.
  • Surgical intervention on the thyroid gland.
  • Osteoliosis is the complete resorption of bone tissue and all its elements.

The level of parathyroid hormone is affected by drugs such as lithium, isoniazid, cyclosporine, hormonal agents, the basis of which is estrogen. They are able to temporarily increase the level of PTH in the blood.

It is possible to reduce the amount of parathyroid hormone in women oral contraceptives, drugs with vitamin D, prednisolone, magnesium sulfate, famotidine.

Consequences of PTH deviation from normal

When the level of parathyroid hormone deviates from the norm in one direction or another, a disturbance in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus occurs. This has an adverse effect on everyone's work. internal organs person. He has:

  • muscle weakness;
  • difficulties in walking;
  • constant feeling of thirst;
  • dysuria – frequent urination.

There is a high probability of developing a hyperparathyroid crisis - serious condition, which progresses rapidly against the background sharp jump calcium level. It is characterized by:

  • significant increase in body temperature;
  • confusion;
  • painful sensations in the abdominal area.

Long-term excess calcium in the blood slows down the formation bone cells. And the old bone beams continue to dissolve. There is an imbalance between tissue formation and destruction. This is fraught with osteoporosis and pathological softening of bones.

Negative processes reach the kidneys and urinary system: the threat of stone formation increases.

Deviations in PTH levels from normal also affect vascular system. Calcification develops, that is, calcium salts are deposited in those tissues and organs where they should not be. They also affect blood vessels, increasing the risk of ulcers forming in the stomach and causing general disorder blood circulation

If during the examination of the patient there are suspicions about the presence of pathology of the parathyroid glands or other ailments that violate the proportion between calcium and phosphorus, this serves as a reason to conduct a test for the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood.

Photo: Emw - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Parathyroid hormone - what is it? It is a biologically active substance produced by the parathyroid glands. He plays important role in the human body. Main function substance is the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels. A blood test is prescribed to determine its level. If the study shows an increase or decrease in indicators, it is necessary to conduct an additional examination and prescribe treatment.

Parathyroid hormone - its norm is important for normal operation the whole body. It is produced by steam thyroid. The whole parathyroid hormone molecule contains 84 amino acids. She's different short period half-life of no more than four minutes. In such a biological active form hormone and is present in the body.

This substance primarily stimulates an increase in calcium levels in the blood.

Also under his influence:

  1. The process of absorption of calcium and inorganic phosphorus occurs in the small intestine.
  2. The formation of glucose and glycogen from substances of non-carbohydrate origin in the liver increases.
  3. The reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys is stimulated.
  4. The amount of calcium deposits in the lens decreases.
  5. The level of phosphorus in the blood plasma decreases.
  6. The calcium content in the intercellular fluid reaches its optimal concentration.
  7. The excretion of phosphorus in the urine is activated.
  8. Cholecalciferol derivatives are formed in the kidneys.
  9. Osteoclasts are activated.
  10. The process of blood clotting occurs.
  11. Membrane permeability decreases.
  12. The likelihood of developing rickets, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus.
  13. When there is an excessive level of calcium in the blood, it is deposited in the bone tissue.
  14. Nervous, endocrine, vascular and muscular system function in the required mode.

Since parathyroid hormone has many important functions, what is its normal level and what does it mean when it is elevated, you need to know in order to eliminate the problem in time.

The concentration of the hormone in the body fluctuates throughout the day. This is influenced by human biorhythms and calcium metabolism. In the morning its concentration is reduced, but by noon it increases, which is associated with high human activity at this time of day.

Parathyroid hormones have a close relationship with vitamin D3. When this vitamin enters the body with food, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines increases. Processes stimulated by parathyrin increase the concentration of calcium cations in the blood.

Norms of indicators differ depending on gender and age.

Parathyroid hormone is determined using a blood test.

The procedure is carried out in the following cases:

  1. To check the condition of the parathyroid glands.
  2. To determine the causes of calcium deficiency or excess and disturbances in its metabolism.
  3. In order to differential diagnosis if hyperthyroidism is suspected.
  4. To confirm hypothyroidism.
  5. To monitor the condition of patients with a chronic form of calcium metabolism disorder.
  6. To assess the effectiveness of therapy for pathological processes in the parathyroid gland and their removal in the presence of tumors.

Analysis may also be ordered by:

  • if the calcium level has changed, if the levels increase or decrease;
  • if there are signs in the form of fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, thirst, indicating that hypercalcemia is developing;
  • for pain in the abdomen, muscle cramps, tingling sensation in the fingers, which indicates hypocalcemia;
  • If CT scan, ultrasound or other instrumental study showed that the dimensions and structure parathyroid glands changed;
  • during the treatment of disturbances in calcium metabolism;
  • if a cyst or other neoplasm appears in the parathyroid glands;
  • in the process of diagnosing diffuse goiter;
  • for disorders in the structure of bone tissue;
  • if osteoporosis develops;
  • if there is a history of kidney disease in which the glomerular filtration rate has decreased.

To accurately determine the disease and obtain reliable information about the level of hormones in the blood, it is necessary to properly prepare for blood donation. For research use venous blood.

Before collecting biomaterial, the following rules should be observed:

  1. Consult an endocrinologist, orthopedist or therapist.
  2. Avoid drinking alcohol the day before the test.
  3. Do not eat food for twelve hours before visiting the laboratory.
  4. Avoid physical and emotional stress an hour before donating blood.
  5. People who smoke You need to give up cigarettes for three hours.

It is important to remember that the norm of a particular hormone depends on age and gender. Also affects hormonal levels menstrual cycle, menopause

If a woman is going through menopause, she should tell her doctor, as this condition affects the level of hormones in the blood.

Hormonal research allows you to determine not only parathyroid hormone, but also other indicators indicating the condition hormonal levels.

During the study they can determine:

  1. Prolactin. It is a luteotropic hormone. Under the influence of prolactin, the mammary glands grow and secrete milk. Under its influence, progesterone is also produced.
  2. ACTH. This is an adrenocorticotropic hormone that triggers the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal glands. These are cortisone, cortisol, aldosterone and others. Under its influence, testosterone is produced in the body of men, and estrogen and estradiol in the body of women.
  3. Renin. Acts as a regulator of water-salt homeostasis and blood pressure in the arteries.

Also, if necessary, the content of many other hormones is determined.

If parathyroid hormone is elevated, bone tissue will be destroyed and the blood will become oversaturated with calcium. These processes will lead to osteoporosis.

When there is too much calcium in the blood, oxalate or phosphate stones form in the kidneys.

An increase in parathyroid hormone occurs:

  1. With hypocalcemia. In this case, the level of the hormone increases to mobilize calcium from the depot and improve its absorption.
  2. With primary hyperparathyroidism. At the same time, calcium and calcitonin are increased, and phosphorus is decreased. This occurs if diffuse toxic goiter of autoimmune origin, hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands, or cancer of the thyroid or parathyroid gland develops. If you have toxic goiter, also known as Graves' disease, thyrotoxicosis develops.
  3. At secondary hyperparathyroidism, in which calcium in the blood is normal or reduced and calcitonin is reduced. It is associated with renal failure in chronic form, vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption syndrome.
  4. With tertiary hyperparathyroidism. This disease occurs if long time secondary hyperparathyroidism occurred.
  5. With pseudohypoparathyroidism.
  6. With multiple endocrine neoplasia.
  7. For ulcerogenic pancreatic adenoma.
  8. For renal hypercalciuria.
  9. With rickets.
  10. If there is a disturbance in the production of parathyroid hormone, which occurs when cancer diseases kidneys and lungs.
  11. In the presence of metastases in bone tissue.
  12. During pregnancy and breastfeeding.

An increased level of the hormone is accompanied by:

  • weakness in the muscles and throughout the body;
  • painful sensations in the limbs;
  • dry skin;
  • earthy skin tone;
  • duck gait;
  • loose joints;
  • heavy gait.

If a test for parathyroid hormone is carried out and it is elevated, then at first the person will constantly feel thirsty and urination will become more frequent. With osteoporosis of the jaw, tooth loss occurs. In later stages high level hormone leads to complications in the form of frequent fractures and bone deformations.

The disease also causes symptoms such as:

  • drowsiness;
  • excessive emotionality;
  • irritability and sentimentality.

The consequences of increasing calcium to 5 mmol are very serious. In this case, the patient experiences manifestations of hyperparathyroid crisis, which, if not treated in time, can cause fatal outcome.

You can learn about the crisis by strong feeling thirst, muscle and joint soreness, vomiting, high temperature, loss of consciousness.

This condition is observed during pregnancy, if there is infectious diseases, as a result of intoxication of the body, taking antacids, eating food with high content calcium.


If parathyroid hormone is low, hypoparathyroidism is diagnosed. It can be primary and secondary.

Primary form develops with pathological process glandular tissue of the glands located near the thyroid gland.

In this case, the disease occurs:

  1. Innate. It is caused by the absence or insufficient development of the parathyroid glands.
  2. Postoperative. If the removal of formations in the thyroid gland resulted in damage to the blood vessels that feed the parathyroid glands.
  3. Post-traumatic. The deviation develops if the body comes under the influence of ionizing radiation, when infectious diseases, after injuries to the parathyroid gland area, which led to hemorrhage or inflammation.
  4. Autoimmune. Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism develops if, due to a failure in immune system antibodies are produced to the parenchyma of the parathyroid glands. This makes the production of PTH in normal quantity impossible. The pathology is usually combined with a fungus of the mucous membranes and skin or with adrenal insufficiency. Alpha fetoprotein is used to limit the attack of autoantibodies. Thyroiditis of autoimmune origin can also cause the problem. Typical for thyroiditis chronic course inflammation of the thyroid gland.
  5. Idiopathic. This genetic pathology, the reasons for which are not clear.

The development of secondary hypoparathyroidism occurs under the influence of pathologies developing outside the parathyroid glands. This may be due to tumors or metastases in skeletal system. The problem is also observed if the thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine, thyroglobulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone and others in smaller quantities than necessary. Thyroglobulin plays a particularly important role. It is necessary for the synthesis of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

How to normalize parathyroid hormone levels?

Parathyroid hormone performs many functions in the body. Therefore, if the indicator deviates from the norm, treatment is necessary. Therapy is aimed at stabilizing calcium levels in the blood.

Severe calcium elevations should be treated in the intensive care unit. The patient is administered drugs for diuresis. The procedure is carried out using isotonic solution sodium chloride and furasemide.

For treatment primary hyperparathyroidism, which was caused by nodes, adenomas and other neoplasms that appeared in the gland, is used surgical techniques. The disease usually occurs in older people. Only the tumor producing the hormone is excised, or part of the gland is removed.

For secondary hyperparathyroidism, a course of vitamin D and calcium-containing medications is prescribed. If medications are ineffective and hormone levels are three times higher than normal, surgery is performed.

As replacement treatment the condition is normalized:

  1. Medicinal parathyroid hormone - teriparatide. It acts in the same way as endogenous parathyroid hormone. This effective option treatment.
  2. High doses calcium and vitamin D.
  3. Synthetic calcitriol, which is an active metabolite of vitamin D.

Additionally, symptomatic therapy is carried out, including sedatives and anticonvulsants. A doctor must prescribe medications.



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