Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It can be given therapeutically to address bone loss and pain, and reduce the risk of fractures. A calcitonin test can help diagnose thyroid cancer. Salmon is the main source of the hormone, and it can cause side effects.
Calcitonin is a hormone that plays a role in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. It is naturally present in the body to control the levels of these minerals in the blood and can also be given therapeutically to address bone loss and bone pain caused by certain conditions. People at increased risk of fractures may also be given calcitonin to reduce the chance of breaking bones and to decrease the severity of fractures when they occur.
This hormone is produced in the thyroid under normal conditions. It interacts with calcitonin receptors on bone to inhibit the natural breakdown of bone and control the overall amount of calcium in the bloodstream. It also works with the kidneys to help them metabolize and store calcium and phosphorus and appears to play a role in regulating appetite, although this link hasn’t been proven.
When a doctor suspects a patient has a thyroid disorder, especially cancer, they may order a calcitonin test. In this test, a blood sample is taken to determine how much of the hormone is in the blood. The patient may also be given calcium injections to test the body’s response. If the hormone levels are abnormal, it can suggest the presence of cancer in the thyroid gland that will need to be addressed. Normal levels vary by patient and situation, and there is no standard reading that patients should shoot for when they receive a calcitonin test.
Therapeutically, calcitonin injections or nasal sprays are sometimes given to cancer patients to reduce bone loss associated with cancer treatment and to help patients cope with bone pain. The drug can also be given to people with osteoporosis and related conditions to prevent fractures, as calcitonin reduces bone loss, which keeps bones stronger and less likely to break.
Most of the calcitonin given to patients comes from salmon. Some people experience allergic reactions to the drug, and others may experience nausea, hives, stomach pain, runny nose, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Patients must also learn how to administer the drug correctly, as it is not effective when taken orally, which means they must learn how to give injections safely or how to use a nasal spray appropriately. If side effects occur, they should be reported to a doctor immediately.
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