Parathyroid Glands
Parathyroids Glands
The parathyroid glands are four glands located behind the thyroid gland in a perosn's neck. These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH) which exists to help regulate the calcium level in our blood stream. When the calcium level in the blood is low, the parathyroid glands sense this and produce PTH. The normal level of PTH in the blood stream is between 10-65 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) in most laboratories. Parathyrod hormone then acts on the bones to release calcium as well as phosphorus. PTH also acts on the kidneys to decrease the excretion of calcium, increase the production of Vitamin D and increase calcium absorption from the gut.
Parathyroid hormone works together with another hormone called Calcitonin to regulate your body's calcium level and maintain healthy bones. The normal calcium level in a person's blood stream ranges from 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. When the calcium level is at the high range, normal parathyroids stop producing PTH; when the calcium level is in the low range, normal parathyroids produce PTH in proporation to the amount of calcium that is required by the body. When the body's calcium metabolism and parathyroids are in balance, there is an even amount of bone breakdown and bone building so that the calcium storage in our body remains even and the bones remain dense and strong. When there is too much PTH produced (overactive PTH production) this is a condition called hyperparathyroidism which may lead to thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), kidney stones, abdominal discomfort and general anxiety.
