Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Connection between Parathyroid Hormone and Osteoporosis?

Pablo Garcia
Pablo Garcia

Parathyroid (PTH) hormone is released when there are low calcium levels in the body. PTH regulates calcium to acceptable levels. Elevated PTH levels occur because of abnormal secretion of the hormone from the parathyroid gland located in the neck. The connection between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis is that abnormal PTH levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis. A medical treatment called parathyroid hormone therapy can prevent the bone damage that leads to osteoporosis.

PTH is manufactured by the parathyroid glands, which are tiny glands located behind the thyroid gland. When a person’s the blood calcium levels fall too low, the parathyroid glands send out extra PTH. This results in the bones releasing additional calcium into the blood, while at the same time reducing the levels of calcium released by the kidneys into the urine. Vitamin D is then converted into a more active form, which causes the absorption of more calcium into the intestines.

Abnormal parathyroid levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
Abnormal parathyroid levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis.

Sometimes, through disease or malfunction, the parathyroid gland releases continuous or unwarranted amounts of PTH. This causes a loss of bone mass, eventually resulting in osteoporosis. Paradoxically, PTH therapy uses parathyroid hormone to build bone mass rather than decrease it, reversing the previously destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.

PTH therapy may reverse the destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.
PTH therapy may reverse the destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.

Researchers that developed PTH therapy discovered that when a synthetic parathyroid hormone was administered in “pulses” — controlled daily injections — it worked to stimulate an increase in bone mass rather than to destroy it and increased bone strength as well. The treatments involve teriparatide, a synthetic parathyroid hormone known under the name Fortero. It is used in severe cases of osteoporosis and with people at high risk for bone fractures.

Low calcium levels and weak bones may make some elderly individuals more prone to falls.
Low calcium levels and weak bones may make some elderly individuals more prone to falls.

With synthetic treatments, the relationship of parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis prevention becomes like that which occurs in a healthy parathyroid gland. PTH therapy has also been shown to decrease the risk of bone fracture in post-menopausal women, while increasing bone density in the areas of the spine and hip. It also appears that estrogen adds to the effects of PTH therapy. Studies have shown that PTH therapy works best in conjunction with supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can occur as a result of osteoporosis.
Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can occur as a result of osteoporosis.

There have been some side effects associated with synthetic parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis treatment. Some patients develop muscle cramps, but these have not been reported to be chronic or long-lasting. A rise in serum calcium levels in the initial months of treatment was also noted, but there have been no reported complications resulting from the increased calcium levels.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

What happens if someone has parathyroid cancer and has to have it removed? How are calcium levels kept in balance in this situation? Are supplements enough?

stoneMason

@candyquilt-- As far as I know, my sister is receiving PTH therapy for post-menopausal osteoporosis. So the treatment may actually be the same for these sometimes. I do know that doctors do not give PTH therapy until osteoporosis is clearly worsening. It is normal for women in their sixties to experience the beginnings of osteoporosis but it's usually mild and not advancing quickly. So these are just treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements.

But if the osteoporosis is advancing at a worrisome rate, then PTH therapy can slow it down by preventing the parathyroid gland from producing too much hormone.

candyquilt

Generally, parathyroid causes osteoporosis due to less calcium being absorbed by the body due to menopause or old age. The body produces less vitamin D as it ages and this reduces the calcium absorbed by the body. This in turn causes the parathyroid hormone to be released more so that the body can get its calcium from bones. If this continues for some time, it cause osteoporosis. It causes bones to become fragile and they an easily break.

It's a whole other thing for the parathyroid to release extra hormones even though the body has plenty of calcium and can absorb it. That has to do with the malfunction of the gland.

I think it's important for people to realize the difference between the two because even though the result may be the same -- osteoporosis -- the underlying cause is different and it has to be treated differently.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Abnormal parathyroid levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Abnormal parathyroid levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
    • PTH therapy may reverse the destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.
      By: peterjunaidy
      PTH therapy may reverse the destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.
    • Low calcium levels and weak bones may make some elderly individuals more prone to falls.
      By: ArTo
      Low calcium levels and weak bones may make some elderly individuals more prone to falls.
    • Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can occur as a result of osteoporosis.
      By: Petr Nad
      Kyphosis, which results in a hunchedbacked appearance, can occur as a result of osteoporosis.
    • Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
      By: chuugo
      Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.