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Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
The master regulator of calcium. Interpreted only together with blood calcium and vitamin D.
Other names: Parathyroid hormone, intact PTHSection: Hormones
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortPTH raises blood calcium by acting on bone, kidney, and — via vitamin D — the gut. A typical reference is 10–65 pg/mL (1.1–6.9 pmol/L). The result is meaningful only with the calcium level: high PTH with high calcium suggests primary hyperparathyroidism, with low calcium — vitamin D deficiency.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
10–65 pg/mL (1.1–6.9 pmol/L)
Range from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (international reference, not a national standard). The report's own interval applies, and interpretation requires the calcium result. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
PTH and calcium are linked by feedback: when calcium falls, PTH rises to restore it. This is why the pair is always read together — the same high PTH means opposite things at high and at low calcium.
Testing is ordered for abnormal calcium, osteoporosis, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease, to distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
When it is high
Primary hyperparathyroidismUsually a parathyroid adenoma: high PTH with high calcium — surgical evaluation follows.
Vitamin D deficiencyLow vitamin D drives secondary PTH elevation with normal or low calcium.
Chronic kidney diseaseFailing kidneys activate vitamin D poorly and retain phosphate — secondary hyperparathyroidism develops.
When it is low
HypoparathyroidismOften after thyroid surgery: low PTH with low calcium.
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Calcium and vitamin D supplementsKidney functionTime of day
How to prepare
Morning fasting sample; calcium supplements are paused the day before if the provider agrees. Drawn together with calcium and phosphate.
When a retest makes sense
An abnormal result is repeated with calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D after 2–4 weeks.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; a nephrologist for kidney-related cases. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: PTHParathyroid hormoneIntact PTH
Units and conversion
Measured in: pg/mL
pg/mL=pmol/L
pmol/L = pg/mL × 0.106. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
The same high PTH means primary hyperparathyroidism at high calcium but a compensatory response to vitamin D deficiency at low calcium — the treatments are opposite.
Is PTH linked to osteoporosis?
Yes — chronically elevated PTH pulls calcium from bone, reducing its density.
Should vitamin D be measured together?
Preferably yes: vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of moderate PTH elevation.
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