PTHszint

PTHszint refers to the measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the blood. Parathyroid hormone is a key hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, small glands located in the neck, near the thyroid gland. The primary function of PTH is to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It plays a critical role in maintaining calcium homeostasis, which is essential for numerous physiological processes including nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone health.

When blood calcium levels drop too low, the parathyroid glands release PTH. This hormone then acts on several target organs to increase blood calcium. It stimulates the bones to release stored calcium, the kidneys to reabsorb more calcium and excrete less phosphate, and the intestines to absorb more calcium from food. Conversely, when blood calcium levels rise, PTH secretion is suppressed.

A PTHszint test is often ordered by physicians to investigate abnormal calcium levels, whether they are too high (hypercalcemia) or too low (hypocalcemia). Elevated PTH levels can indicate primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition where one or more parathyroid glands are overactive and produce too much PTH, leading to high blood calcium. Other causes of high PTH include secondary hyperparathyroidism, which often occurs in individuals with chronic kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency. Low PTH levels, on the other hand, can suggest hypoparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, resulting in low blood calcium. Understanding PTHszint is crucial for diagnosing and managing a variety of metabolic bone diseases and endocrine disorders.