He may encounter many health issues throughout his life. Various health problems can arise alongside certain hormonal imbalances. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), one of the body’s key hormones, is also known as parathormone. Parathyroid hormone plays a role in regulating the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and body fluids. It also facilitates the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream.
This hormone, which plays a role in many of the body’s functions and holds an important place, also facilitates the absorption of calcium ions from digested food into the bloodstream. Additionally, by maintaining phosphorus balance in the kidneys, it ensures that the level of phosphorus in the blood increases.
What Is the Function of Parathyroid Hormone?
It is one of the hormones of vital importance to the body. Known for its many different functions and benefits to the body, it is also a hormone synthesized and secreted by cells called C cells. The functions of parathyroid hormone can be listed as follows:
- It facilitates the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream
- Regulates the balance of phosphorus and calcium in the blood and body fluids
- This hormone is released when calcium levels drop and works to increase calcium levels.
- PTH secretion decreases when calcium levels are high or normal
- It protects bone, heart, and kidney health by regulating calcium levels
Symptoms of High Parathyroid Hormone Levels
This hormone, which is of great importance for human health and the body, can rise during certain periods and under certain conditions, as seen in the points listed above. When this hormone rises, a person may experience certain health problems and discomforts. Listed in bullet points, the symptoms of high parathyroid hormone levels are as follows:
- Severe pain in the joints and muscles
- Back pain and heartburn
- Fatigue and weakness
- Depression and psychological problems
- Eating problems (loss of appetite)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Kidney stone pain
- Itchy skin
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Pancreatitis
- Constant drowsiness
- Bone cyst
- Heart rhythm disorder
- Gait and balance disorders
Causes of High Parathyroid Hormone Levels
Certain conditions can cause this hormone to rise and lead to various problems in the body. In some cases, however, elevated levels of this hormone help compensate for deficiencies in the body. The causes of elevated parathyroid hormone levels are as follows:
- Kidney failure and kidney diseases
- Calcium deficiency
- Magnesium deficiency
- Parathyroid gland problems (enlargement and tumors)
- Vitamin D deficiency or having significantly more vitamin D in the body than necessary
- Consumption of phosphorus-rich foods
- Pregnancy
- Excess calcium in the body
- Low calcium levels in the blood
- Increased phosphorus levels in the body
- Serious health problems affecting the kidneys
- The presence of certain serious infectious diseases in him
- Engaging in strenuous exercise and damaging muscles
Treatment for Elevated Parathyroid Hormone Levels
This condition is also known as hyperparathyroidism. It is a serious condition resulting from the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone due to a specific cause. There are three different types of hyperparathyroidism: primary, secondary, and tertiary. In cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, surgical intervention is considered the most effective treatment method
. In cases of secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, however, non-surgical treatment options are available in addition to surgical intervention. Many people do not wish to undergo surgery. In such cases, ethanol ablation—a non-surgical method—may be a viable treatment option. Recovery is faster with surgical intervention, and the patient can be discharged on the same day
. Certain conditions must be met for surgical procedures to yield successful and positive outcomes. First, the condition must be examined and clarified in a laboratory setting. Then, the source of the problem must be identified using imaging techniques, and the surgery must be performed by a specialized surgeon.
What Happens When Parathyroid Hormone Levels Rise?
When this hormone rises, the calcium level in the blood increases. If calcium levels rise along with it, problems such as bone loss or weakening may arise. Additionally, elevated calcium can accumulate in the kidneys, leading to the formation of kidney sand and stones.
An increase in this hormone can cause balance and gait disorders in the individual. He may feel a constant need to drink water and, as a result, may experience frequent urination. In summary, elevated levels of this hormone have negative effects on his overall physical health.
What Happens When Parathyroid Hormone Levels Are Low?
If the level of this hormone decreases, blood calcium levels also decrease. As a result, the individual may experience certain discomforts and symptoms
. These symptoms include tingling and numbness in the fingertips and around the mouth, severe muscle and joint pain, and muscle spasms in the hands. A decrease in calcium levels can cause spasms in the windpipe, which is a life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels
Men with low parathyroid hormone levels may experience a variety of symptoms. The symptoms of low parathyroid hormone levels are as follows:
- Muscle pain, spasms, and cramps
- Tingling around the mouth
- Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
- Hand spasms
- Spasms in the windpipe and bronchi
Causes of Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels
This hormone, which balances and regulates calcium levels in the body, can drop due to certain causes. The causes of low parathyroid hormone levels can be listed as follows:
- Various types of cancer
- As a result of excessive calcium buildup in the body
- Parathyroid glands exposed to radiation
- Imbalances in vitamins and minerals
- Damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery
Treatment for Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels
If a person notices the symptoms listed above in himself or in those around him, he should be examined by a specialist without delay. During the examination, the doctor may ask the patient questions about his condition. The doctor may order any tests he deems necessary. In the next step, treatment is administered based on the underlying cause of the condition.