Patient/caregiver was instructed upon the role of parathyroid hormone in serum calcium regulation as follows:
- Parathyroid hormone is produced by four parathyroid glands, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck.
- Low levels of serum calcium in the body stimulate increased synthesis of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands.
- Increased parathyroid hormone secretion results in resorption of the bone and consequently, leads to mobilization of calcium and phosphorus from the bone into the blood, thus helping to offset the low levels of serum calcium.
- Increased parathyroid hormone also helps with increasing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food and reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys.
- Parathyroid hormone also stimulates the kidney for increased synthesis of calcitriol/vitamin D3, which also helps towards increasing and restoring serum calcium and phosphorus levels to normal.
- These actions of parathyroid hormone help with restoration of optimal concentrations of serum calcium and phosphorus.
- Restoration of serum calcium and phosphorus levels to normal, reduces the synthesis and activity of parathyroid hormone.
