How does an elevated level of parathyroid hormone impact bone health?

Question

There is a relationship between parathyroid hormone, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Understanding these relationships will lead you to an answer.

Answer 1

An elevated parathyroid hormone level will cause the body to release calcium from the bones into the blood. The calcium can deposit in arteries or soft tissues in a person who cannot regulate their parathyroid hormone levels.

This is a common condition for someone with end stage renal disease to experience. Elevated serum phosphorus will increase parathyroid hormone levels in the body. In a person with ESRD, parathyroid suppression is often impaired, and a diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism is given. Vitamin D analogs given to those in ESRD can help suppress iPTH along with phosphorus binding medications.