Parathyroid Hormone

The Parathyroid hormone is a very important hormone which controls the calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. The Parathyroid hormone in the body is produced by the parathyroid glands which are situated just next to the thyroid glands in the body. The function of the parathyroid gland and the thyroid gland is different. The parathyroid gland controls the levels of calcium in the bones and thus the bones become strong or weak according to the level of the parathyroid hormone in the body.

The function of calcium in the body is not only to make the bones strong but it also helps in the constant carrying of electrical impulses sent out by the nerves to the different parts of the body. The disturbance in levels of the parathyroid hormones thus can affect the communication of the nervous system with the other organs of the body. The level of calcium in the body thus needs to be regulated at all levels otherwise people feel cramps or a tingling sensation in their muscles of the hands.

Functions of the Parathyroid hormone

The major function of the parathyroid hormone is to regulate the levels of calcium in the body. The parathyroid hormone takes calcium from the bone and releases it in the blood though scientists have not been able to find the exact mechanism by which the calcium is released in the blood. The parathyroid hormone also works to absorb calcium from the small intestine. Thus absorbing calcium from the small intestine helps to increase the level of calcium in the blood which is very important. The parathyroid hormone besides stimulating the absorption of calcium from the bones and the small intestine the hormone also helps to keep a check on the calcium that is thrown out of the body through urine. Thus the parathyroid hormone helps in the retention of calcium in the body which is vital for bones and the nervous system.

Effects of over secretion of the parathyroid hormone

When the secretion of the parathyroid hormone is normal it is helpful but the excess production of the hormone results in some abnormalities. The over secretion of the hormone results in hypocalcemia which is nothing but a higher level of calcium in the blood. Kidney stone also gets formed due to the abnormal activity of the parathyroid hormone. The condition of hyperthyroidism is also the result of the over secretion of the parathyroid hormone.