The four parathyroid glands are in the neck, and control the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your body. Calcium is found in your bones and blood; and is necessary for maintaining the electrical energy for your nervous and muscular systems, and for skeletal system strength. In a normal and healthy body, the parathyroid glands maintain the calcium level within a narrow range.
Parathyroid Levels
Parathyroid levels are determined by a blood test known as PTH. Elevated parathyroid levels, or hyperparathyroidism, may be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism is an elevated PTH caused by an abnormality of the parathyroid glands, such as a tumor. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by medical conditions outside of the parathyroid glands where the parathyroid glands are continually stimulated and elevated in an effort to maintain normal calcium levels, such as in kidney failure. As secondary progresses to tertiary, the calcium levels and PTH are abnormally high and may require surgical removal of the parathyroid glands to maintain a normal calcium level. Abnormally low PTH levels, or hypoparathyroidism, are rare, according to the National Institutes of Health. Possible symptoms of elevated parathyroid levels include fatigue, depression, joint pain, nausea, abdominal pain, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure and increased urine output.
Calcium Levels
Normal total calcium levels range from 8.5 mg/dL to 10.2 mg/dL for adults, and normal ionized calcium levels for adults range from 4.4 mg/dL to 5.3 mg/dL, according to MedlinePlus. Elevated calcium levels can indicate the presence of an excessive vitamin D level, bone tumor, hyperparathyroidism or excessive calcium intake, such as drinking too much milk in a day. Low calcium levels may be due to a vitamin D or magnesium deficiency, pancreatitis, hypoparathyroidism or kidney failure.
Diagnostics
Calcium and parathyroid levels are so closely interrelated, when your doctor suspects either is affected, he will evaluate both levels to determine if the balance is correct. If both are within the normal range, the calcium-parathyroid regulation system is working properly. Low calcium with high PTH indicates the parathyroid is working correctly in an effort to restore the calcium level. Low calcium and low or normal PTH possibly indicates hypoparathyroidism. High readings for calcium and PTH indicate the need for further testing, such as imaging studies to evaluate for hyperparathyroidism. In high calcium levels with low PTH levels, the PTH is responding to the need to reduce the amount of calcium in your blood.
Warning
Before you have your calcium and parathyroid levels checked, talk to your doctor about stopping medications and supplements that can increase calcium levels, such as lithium, thyroxine, thiazide diuretics, vitamin D and calcium salts.
