Parathyreoideahormonnivå

Parathyreoideahormonnivå refers to the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. PTH is a crucial hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, small endocrine glands located in the neck, usually behind the thyroid gland. Its primary role is to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are essential for numerous physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle function.

When blood calcium levels drop too low, the parathyroid glands release PTH. This hormone then acts on several targets to increase calcium concentration. It stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb more calcium, preventing its loss in urine. PTH also promotes the release of calcium from bones, a process known as bone resorption. Furthermore, it activates vitamin D in the kidneys, which in turn enhances calcium absorption from the intestines.

Conversely, when blood calcium levels rise too high, PTH secretion is suppressed. This feedback mechanism ensures that calcium levels are maintained within a narrow, healthy range. Elevated parathyreoideahormonnivå can indicate primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition where one or more parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, often due to a benign tumor called an adenoma. Low parathyreoideahormonnivå can suggest hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, potentially leading to dangerously low calcium levels. Measuring parathyreoideahormonnivå is a key diagnostic tool in endocrinology for evaluating calcium and bone metabolism disorders.