What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your PTH levels mean for your calcium balance, bone health, and overall metabolism. These notes include personalized recommendations like vitamin D supplementation, dietary calcium adjustments, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your PTH levels over time using our trends feature to monitor how your interventions are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone with abnormal calcium levels detected on routine blood work, people experiencing kidney stones, or those with symptoms like bone pain, fractures, or muscle weakness. It's also recommended for individuals undergoing kidney dialysis, those with a family history of parathyroid disease, or anyone with unexplained fatigue and digestive issues related to calcium metabolism. If you have osteoporosis at a young age or vitamin D deficiency that doesn't improve with supplementation, this test can provide important answers.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent bone or joint pain, frequent kidney stones, unexplained fatigue or weakness, and digestive issues like nausea or constipation. You might also experience tingling sensations in your hands and feet, muscle cramps, memory problems, or depression. Some people notice excessive thirst and urination, while others have no obvious symptoms and discover calcium abnormalities through routine blood work.

How can I naturally support healthy calcium balance?

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through sun exposure and diet is crucial for calcium absorption and PTH regulation. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet, and ensure you're getting enough magnesium from nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Regular weight-bearing exercise helps maintain bone health, and limiting excessive caffeine and sodium can help your body retain calcium more effectively.

What is PTH and why does it matter?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced by four small glands in your neck and acts as your body's calcium thermostat, keeping calcium levels in a narrow, healthy range. When calcium drops too low, PTH tells your kidneys to retain more calcium, your intestines to absorb more from food, and your bones to release some stored calcium. This careful balance is essential for strong bones, proper muscle contractions, healthy nerve function, and normal heart rhythm.

What does high PTH mean?

High PTH usually means your parathyroid glands are working overtime to raise calcium levels, which could indicate primary hyperparathyroidism (overactive glands), vitamin D deficiency, or kidney disease. This can lead to calcium being pulled from your bones, making them weaker over time, and potentially causing kidney stones as excess calcium is filtered through your kidneys. High PTH with high calcium often suggests a parathyroid tumor or enlargement, while high PTH with low calcium may indicate vitamin D deficiency or kidney problems.

What does low PTH mean?

Low PTH typically occurs when calcium levels are already high, causing your parathyroid glands to reduce hormone production, or when the glands themselves are underactive (hypoparathyroidism). This can happen after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, due to autoimmune conditions, or from certain genetic disorders. Low PTH can lead to low calcium levels, causing muscle spasms, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, seizures or heart rhythm problems.

How often should I retest my PTH levels?

If you've been diagnosed with a parathyroid condition or are undergoing treatment, your doctor will typically want to retest every 3-6 months to monitor how well your therapy is working. For people on kidney dialysis, more frequent testing every 1-3 months is common to ensure proper calcium and bone management. If your initial test is normal but you have ongoing symptoms or calcium abnormalities, retesting in 3-6 months with simultaneous calcium and vitamin D levels can help identify trends.