How do the parathyroids affect calcium?

The function of the parathyroid glands is regulation of calcium, and parathyroid glands are the main regulators of calcium levels in the body. Too much calcium in the body can cause significant problems. Too little calcium in the body also causes significant problems. Therefore, the parathyroid glands are very important for proper functioning of the body.

The parathyroid glands act by producing parathyroid hormone. A hormone is a small protein that is made by a cell and then secreted into the blood to regulate the function of other cells. The parathyroid cells are signaled to make parathyroid hormone only when calcium levels in the blood fall too low. The parathyroid glands are signaled to stop making parathyroid hormone when calcium levels return to normal to prevent too much calcium. In body organs, calcium is necessary but must be at the appropriate level.

Parathyroid hormone increases calcium blood levels in many ways. The primary way that parathyroid hormone increases calcium is by removing calcium from the bones. The bones are the main storage for calcium in the body. However, the bones do not only store calcium, the require the calcium for strength. When the parathyroids act normally, only a small amount of calcium is removed from bones, and this does not affect the strength of the bones. If too much parathyroid hormone is produced, too much calcium will be removed from the bones and they will become weak, resulting in osteopenia or osteoporosis. Therefore, elevated calcium blood levels indicates decrease calcium in the bone.

Additionally, Parathyroid hormone increases the amount of calcium that is absorbed from food in the intestines. Parathyroid hormone also increases the activity of Vitamin D. Vitamin D also increases the amount of calcium in the blood. When are calcium levels too high? The normal range for calcium is about 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. If the calcium level is greater than 10.5, there is too much calcium in the body and a doctor should investigate further to find the cause. Too much calcium in the body often due to hyperparathyroidism, but there are other causes as well. It is important to have a thorough examination by a doctor to rule out causes of elevated calcium in the blood.