What is Parathyroid Hormone? Your Complete Guide
PTH is a hormone made by the parathyroid glands (four tiny glands behind your thyroid). It controls calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood and is critical for bone health.
💡Simply Explained
The parathyroid glands are like a thermostat for calcium in your blood. When calcium drops too low, PTH turns up the heat — it pulls calcium from your bones into your blood. If the thermostat is stuck on high, it keeps draining calcium from your bones.
📏Normal Range
Typical reference range. Your lab may use slightly different values.
⬆️What High Parathyroid Hormone Means
Possible Causes
- Vitamin D deficiency (extremely common in India — the #1 cause of elevated PTH)
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid adenoma)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Low dietary calcium intake
- Malabsorption syndromes
Foods That Can Help
- Vitamin D-rich: fortified milk, mushrooms, morning sunlight
- Calcium-rich: ragi (finger millet), curd (dahi), paneer
- Sesame seeds (til) — very high in calcium
- Leafy greens: amaranth (chaulai), fenugreek (methi)
- Almonds and dried figs (anjeer)
⬇️What Low Parathyroid Hormone Means
Possible Causes
- Post-thyroid surgery damage to parathyroid glands
- Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism
- Magnesium deficiency (severe)
- Genetic conditions (DiGeorge syndrome)
- Radiation to the neck area
Foods That Can Help
- Calcium-rich foods: ragi, curd, paneer, sesame seeds
- Magnesium sources: pumpkin seeds, cashews, bananas
- Vitamin D: morning sunlight exposure for 15-20 minutes
- Fortified cereals and plant milks
- Almonds and green leafy vegetables
🏃Lifestyle Actions
If Your Parathyroid Hormone Is High
- Get vitamin D level tested — deficiency is the most common cause in India
- Get calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D tested together
- 15-20 minutes of morning sunlight daily (arms and face exposed)
- Consider vitamin D supplementation as prescribed
- See an endocrinologist if PTH remains high after correcting vitamin D
If Your Parathyroid Hormone Is Low
- Get calcium and vitamin D levels checked urgently
- Take calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed
- Watch for symptoms: numbness, tingling, muscle cramps
- Ensure adequate magnesium intake
- See an endocrinologist for ongoing management
🩺When to See a Doctor
High Parathyroid Hormone
High PTH with vitamin D deficiency is very common and correctable — see a doctor within 2-4 weeks. High PTH with high calcium (primary hyperparathyroidism) needs endocrinology referral within 1-2 weeks as it can cause kidney stones and bone loss.
Low Parathyroid Hormone
If PTH is low with symptoms like muscle cramps, tingling, or spasms, see a doctor within a few days. Very low calcium from hypoparathyroidism can cause seizures — seek emergency care if you experience severe cramping or seizures.
🎯Did You Know?
Despite being crucial for bone health, most people have never heard of the parathyroid glands! They're only the size of a grain of rice, yet they control calcium levels with remarkable precision — adjusting PTH output minute by minute.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parathyroid Hormone?
The parathyroid glands are like a thermostat for calcium in your blood. When calcium drops too low, PTH turns up the heat — it pulls calcium from your bones into your blood. If the thermostat is stuck on high, it keeps draining calcium from your bones.
What is the normal range for Parathyroid Hormone?
The typical normal range for Parathyroid Hormone is 15–65 pg/mL.
What causes high Parathyroid Hormone?
Vitamin D deficiency (extremely common in India — the #1 cause of elevated PTH). Primary hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid adenoma). Chronic kidney disease.
What causes low Parathyroid Hormone?
Post-thyroid surgery damage to parathyroid glands. Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism. Magnesium deficiency (severe).
How can I check my Parathyroid Hormone levels?
You can check your Parathyroid Hormone levels with a routine blood test. Upload your lab report to ScanHealth for an instant, plain-language explanation.
Check Your Parathyroid Hormone Results Instantly
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Upload Your ReportThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by lab. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.