Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium levels in the body, but abnormal secretion can lead to osteoporosis. PTH therapy, using synthetic PTH, can prevent bone damage and increase bone mass. Side effects include muscle cramps and an increase in serum calcium levels.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released when there are low levels of calcium in the body. PTH regulates calcium to acceptable levels. Elevated PTH levels occur due to abnormal secretion of the hormone from the parathyroid gland located in the neck. The connection between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis is that abnormal PTH levels ultimately lead to osteoporosis. A medical treatment called parathyroid hormone therapy can prevent the bone damage that leads to osteoporosis.
PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands, which are tiny glands located behind the thyroid gland. When a person’s blood calcium levels drop too low, the parathyroid glands emit extra PTH. This causes the bones to release additional calcium into the blood, while also reducing the levels of calcium released by the kidneys into the urine. Vitamin D is then converted into a more active form, which causes more calcium to be absorbed in the intestines.
Sometimes, due to disease or malfunction, the parathyroid gland releases continuous or unwarranted amounts of PTH. This causes a loss of bone mass, resulting in osteoporosis. Paradoxically, PTH therapy uses parathyroid hormone to build bone mass rather than reduce it, reversing the previously destructive relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis.
The researchers who developed PTH therapy found that when a synthetic parathyroid hormone was given in “pulses” — controlled daily injections — it worked to stimulate an increase in bone mass rather than destroy it and also increase bone strength. Treatments involve teriparatide, a synthetic parathyroid hormone known by the name of Fortero. It is used in severe cases of osteoporosis and with people at high risk of bone fractures.
With synthetic treatments, the relationship between parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis prevention becomes like that of a healthy parathyroid gland. PTH therapy has also been shown to reduce the risk of bone fracture in postmenopausal women, while increasing bone density in the spine and hip areas. It also appears that estrogen adds to the effects of PTH therapy. Studies have shown that PTH therapy works best in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplements.
There have been some side effects associated with synthetic parathyroid hormone and osteoporosis treatment. Some patients develop muscle cramps, but these have not been reported to be chronic or long-lasting. An increase in serum calcium levels has also been noted in the first months of treatment, but no complications resulting from the increase in calcium levels have been reported.
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