What is PTH?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced by several small, bean-like parathyroid glands in your neck. Its “job” is to tell your bones to release calcium into your bloodstream. Too much PTH can become a problem in people with kidney disease. Healthy kidneys convert a hormone called calcitriol to its active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol lets your body absorb calcium from food you eat. When your kidneys are not working well, they start to make less calcitriol-so even if you eat calcium, your body can’t absorb it. PTH kicks in to make sure you always have enough calcium in your blood. Over time, this can weaken your bones. A blood test can show if your PTH levels are above normal. If they are, your doctor may prescribe a form of active vitamin D.
