Parathyroid Hormone
PTH
Description
"Parathyroid Hormone" (PTH) test measures how much PTH is in your blood to assess calcium regulation and parathyroid function. It’s typically used to diagnose hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or investigate abnormal calcium levels. Elevated PTH may point to overactive glands or vitamin D issues, while low levels could reflect underactivity. Doctors rely on this test to manage symptoms like bone pain, kidney stones, or fatigue. Ongoing PTH monitoring helps maintain calcium balance and supports better bone and mineral health.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter | Picomoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Hormone Health Group, Bone Health Group, Mineral Balance Group
Test Group Description
Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 20.00–40.00 pg/mL
SI Unit: 2.12–4.24 pmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 10.00–55.00 pg/mL
SI Unit: 1.06–5.83 pmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Celiac disease (Autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients)
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (Inherited condition with high blood calcium levels and low urinary calcium excretion)
Inflammatory bowel disease (Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract)
Medications (such as lithium or certain diuretics)
...
Key Reasons For Testing
Calcium Regulation: Maintains calcium homeostasis by balancing levels in bones, kidneys, and intestines.
Diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism: Identifies excessive parathyroid hormone secretion, aiding in managing hyperparathyroidism.
Evaluation of Hypocalcemia: Differentiates causes of low calcium, including hypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Bilezikian JP, Brandi ML, Cusano NE, et al. Management of primary hyperparathyroidism: Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(10):3607-3618.
[2] Marcocci C, Cetani F. Primary hyperparathyroidism. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(25):2389-2397.
[3] Fraser WD. Hyperparathyroidism. Lancet. 2009;374(9684):145-158.
[4] Silverberg SJ, Walker MD. Vitamin D deficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism. J Bone Miner Res. 2011;26(3):505-515.
[5] Witteveen JE, van Thiel S, de Fijter JW, Romijn JA, Hamdy NA. Diagnosis and management of tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013;79(3):289-297.
[6] Khan AA, Hanley DA, Rizzoli R, et al. Primary hyperparathyroidism: Review and recommendations on evaluation, diagnosis, and management. A Canadian and international consensus. Osteoporos Int. 2017;28(1):1-19.
[7] Eastell R, Brandi ML, Costa AG, D’Amour P, Shoback DM, Thakker RV. Diagnosis of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(10):3570-3579.
[8] Arabi A, Baddoura R, El-Rassi R, El-Hajj Fuleihan G. PTH level but not total or free 25(OH)D predicts bone loss rates at the hip in elderly men and women. J Bone Miner Res. 2012;27(4):916-924.
[9] Peacock M. Primary hyperparathyroidism and the skeleton. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(8):3800-3806.
[10] Moosgaard B, Vestergaard P, Heickendorff L, Melsen F, Christiansen P. Plasma PTH is associated with the presence but not the extent of osteoporosis in primary hyperparathyroidism. Calcif Tissue Int. 2008;82(5):348-355.
[11] Vignali E, Picone A, Saponaro F, et al. Mild primary hyperparathyroidism: A challenging diagnosis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2019;181(6):D91-D101.
[12] Rejnmark L, Vestergaard P, Mosekilde L. Nephrolithiasis and renal calcifications in primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(8):2377-2385.
[13] Silverberg SJ, Shane E, Jacobs TP, et al. Nephrolithiasis and bone involvement in primary hyperparathyroidism. Am J Med. 1990;89(3):327-334.