Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) Test

What is PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) Test?

PTH levels are measured by this test. The parathyroid glands produce PTH, also known as parathormone. Four pea-sized glands are located in the neck. PTH controls calcium levels in the blood. Calcium helps you have strong bones and teeth. Your nerves, muscles, and heart depend on it to function properly. When calcium levels in the blood are too low, the parathyroid glands release PTH. PTH raises calcium levels in the blood. When calcium levels in the blood are too high, these glands will stop producing PTH. A high or low PTH level can cause serious health issues.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Together with calcium testing, a PTH test is most often used to:

    • Identify whether you suffer from hyperparathyroidism, a condition caused by overproduction of parathyroid hormone by your parathyroid glands
    • Analyze your case of hypoparathyroidism, in which your parathyroid gland produces too little parathyroid hormone
    • Check if you have abnormal calcium levels due to a parathyroid gland problem
    • Monitoring kidney disease

    Higher than normal level of PTH

    Lower than normal level of PTH
    • Kidney disease
    • Hyperparathyroidism
    • Vitamin D deficiency
    • A benign (noncancerous) tumor of the parathyroid gland
    • Hypoparathyroidism
    • Overdose of vitamin D or calcium

    It is possible that you need a PTH test if you have too much calcium in your blood or too little calcium. The symptoms are as follows:

     

    • Too much calcium 

    Tiredness

    An increase in thirst

    Vomiting and nausea

    Stones in the kidney

    Bones that are easily broken

    Urination is more frequent

    • Too little calcium

     

    Cramps in the muscles

    An irregular heartbeat

    Having tingling in your fingertips or toes

    Your health care provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. In a test tube or vial, a small amount of blood will be collected after the needle is inserted. When the needle goes in or out, you may feel a slight sting. This usually lasts for a few minutes.

    Hyperparathyroidism — A high level of PTH could be caused by overactive parathyroid glands. 

    Hypoparathyroidism — A low level of PTH could be caused by underactive parathyroid glands. 

    Symptoms:

    • Vitamin D deficiency
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Calcium levels low without a parathyroid gland cause

    Symptoms:

    • Radiation
    • Iron overload
    • High calcium levels
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Low magnesium levels
    • Surgery for thyroid disease

    A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test normally ranges from 14 to 65 pg/mL. 

    • Avoid smoking.
    • Engage in regular exercise. 
    • Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. 
    • Drugs that raise calcium levels should be avoided. 
    • Medications such as some diuretics and lithium can raise calcium levels. 
    • As a person with hyperparathyroidism, you shouldn't restrict calcium intake in your diet.

    A note on calcium:

    Calcium intake is recommended at 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults ages 19 to 50 and for men ages 51 to 70. Women aged 51 and older and men over the age of 71 should consume 1,200 mg of calcium every day. Vitamin D is recommended at 600 international units (IU) a day for those ages 1 to 70 and at 800 IUs a day for those age 71 and older. Discuss your dietary needs with your doctor.

     

    Can taking too much vitamin D cause hyperparathyroidism?

    Hyperparathyroidism is exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency and vice versa. Vitamin D supplementation can be safely given to certain patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism and is recommended before considering medical or surgical treatment.

     

    Conclusion

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