CA
A 34-year-old member asked:
Can you explain how parathyroid hormone injections make bones stronger when too much parathyroid hormone made by the body weakens bones?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Edward Neilsenanswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Good question!: Parathyroid hormone (pth_ causes two main effects - a decrease in phosphorous in the blood, and an increase in calcium. If a body makes too much PTH (constant, high levels) it will leach the calcium from the bones to keep the blood levels up. Injections, however, are intermittent, lower concentrations that can stimulate bone strengthening by absorbing the calcium in the bood.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Scott Trimasanswered
Facial Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
Hypercalcemia: Too much circulating parathryoid hormone can result in high levels of calcium which can cause abodminal pain, bone pain, kidney stones, etc. It purges the calcium from the storage site in the bones. Injectable hormone should be used under the direction of a qualified physician and is for people with low calcium not normal levels which can happen with the aging process.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 10, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.