Parathyroid glands | healthdirect

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Parathyroid glands | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Your parathyroid glands are small glands that are found in your neck and make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Find out more about PTH here."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="text/html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="text/html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Parathyroid glands" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Parathyroid Glands,calcium"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2023-07-03T05:00:03.568Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Your parathyroid glands are small glands that are found in your neck and make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Find out more about PTH here."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Parathyroid glands" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/parathyroid-glands"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are my parathyroid glands?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","name":"Parathyroid glands","@id":"https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/parathyroid-glands-3f8c09.png"},"@type":"Answer","name":"What are my parathyroid glands? Answer","text":"Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands, that are each about the size of a grain of rice. There are usually 2 parathyroid glands on each side of your neck. They sit behind another gland called the thyroid gland. Illustration showing the parathyroid glands.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What do my parathyroid glands do?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What do my parathyroid glands do? Answer","text":"Your parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid hormone helps to manage how much calcium is in your blood. Parathyroid hormone keeps your calcium level steady by: adjusting the amount of calcium released by your bones into your blood managing the amount of calcium that is removed by your kidneys in your urine (wee) activating vitamin D in your kidneys, which affects how much calcium is absorbed from your gut Calcium is important for the proper functioning of your: nerves muscles bones heart kidneys","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What medical conditions affect my parathyroid glands?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What medical conditions affect my parathyroid glands? Answer","text":"Medical conditions can affect your parathyroid glands, causing them to make too much or too little parathyroid hormone. Hyperparathyroidism Sometimes your parathyroid glands may produce too much parathyroid hormone. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism can cause high blood calcium levels. It can be diagnosed with blood tests including: calcium blood test parathyroid hormone level What causes hyperparathyroidism? Most cases of hyperparathyroidism are due to a non-cancerous growth on your parathyroid gland. It can sometimes be due to your parathyroid glands growing too big. In rare cases, it can be due to cancer. These are all types of primary hyperparathyroidism. Your parathyroid hormone levels can also go up if you have low levels of vitamin D or chronic kidney disease. This is known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism? Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are: kidney stones muscle pains fatigue poor sleep anxiety and depression problems with thinking and memory A loss of calcium from your bones increases your risk of osteoporosis. This is a condition where your bones become less dense and can break more easily. What is the treatment for hyperparathyroidism? Your treatment will depend on the cause of your hyperparathyroidism. You should talk to your doctor to learn more about what treatment you might need and what to expect. For some types of primary hyperparathyroidism, your doctor might advise surgery to remove one or more of your parathyroid glands. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist. Hypoparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands don't make enough parathyroid hormone. Hypoparathyroidism is rare. It usually happens if your parathyroid glands are damaged during neck surgery — for example, surgery for thyroid problems or hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium levels in your blood. This can cause different symptoms, depending on how low your calcium level is and how quickly it drops. Your doctor can diagnose hypoparathyroidism by checking your calcium levels and parathyroid hormone levels with a blood test. Your blood magnesium level and vitamin D levels should also be checked. Your treatment depends on your symptoms and your blood calcium level. Calcium replacement and calcitriol are usually given. If you have surgery on your thyroid or parathyroid glands, you will be closely watched for low calcium levels. You will be given calcium supplements to take after surgery. You'll also have regular checks of your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands#Answer3"}}],"keywords":["parathyroid hormone","parathyroid gland problems","hypercalcemia","hypercalcaemia","calcium","hyperparathyroidism"],"@type":"FAQPage","about":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_gland","name":"Parathyroid glands","description":"Your parathyroid glands are small glands that are found in your neck and make parathyroid hormone (PTH). Find out more about PTH here.","dateModified":"2023-06-30T09:31:00Z","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q650401","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parathyroid_gland"]}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parathyroid-glands"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands found in your neck.</li> <li>Your parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone, which manages your blood calcium level.</li> <li>Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where too much parathyroid hormone is made.</li> <li>Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where too little parathyroid hormone is made.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What are my parathyroid glands?</a></li> <li><a href="#do">What do my parathyroid glands do?</a></li> <li><a href="#conditions">What medical conditions affect my parathyroid glands?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes hyperparathyroidism?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">What is the treatment for hyperparathyroidism?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">Diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What are my parathyroid glands?</h2> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-col-left-small"> <p>Your parathyroid glands are 4 small glands, that are each about the size of a grain of rice.</p> <p>There are usually 2 parathyroid glands on each side of your neck. They sit behind another gland called the <a href="/thyroid-gland">thyroid gland</a>.</p> <p>Illustration showing the parathyroid glands.</p> </div> <div class="cont_layout-col-right-large"> <figure> <img src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/parathyroid-glands-3f8c09.png" title="Parathyroid glands" alt="Illustration showing the parathyroid glands."> <figcaption>Illustration showing the parathyroid glands.</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <h2 id="do">What do my parathyroid glands do?</h2> <p>Your parathyroid glands make <strong>parathyroid hormone (PTH)</strong>. Parathyroid hormone helps to manage how much <a href="/calcium">calcium</a> is in your blood.</p> <p>Parathyroid hormone keeps your calcium level steady by:</p> <ul> <li>adjusting the amount of calcium released by your bones into your blood</li> <li>managing the amount of calcium that is removed by your kidneys in your urine (wee)</li> <li>activating vitamin D in your kidneys, which affects how much calcium is absorbed from your gut</li> </ul> <p>Calcium is important for the proper functioning of your:</p> <ul> <li>nerves</li> <li>muscles</li> <li>bones</li> <li>heart</li> <li>kidneys</li> </ul> <h2 id="conditions">What medical conditions affect my parathyroid glands?</h2> <p>Medical conditions can affect your parathyroid glands, causing them to make too much or too little parathyroid hormone.</p> <h2>Hyperparathyroidism</h2> <p>Sometimes your parathyroid glands may produce too much parathyroid hormone. This condition is called hyperparathyroidism.</p> <p>Hyperparathyroidism can cause high blood calcium levels. It can be diagnosed with blood tests including:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/calcium-blood-test">calcium blood test</a></li> <li>parathyroid hormone level</li> </ul> <h3 id="causes">What causes hyperparathyroidism?</h3> <p>Most cases of hyperparathyroidism are due to a non-cancerous growth on your parathyroid gland. It can sometimes be due to your parathyroid glands growing too big. In rare cases, it can be due to cancer. These are all types of primary hyperparathyroidism.</p> <p>Your parathyroid hormone levels can also go up if you have low levels of vitamin D or chronic kidney disease. This is known as secondary hyperparathyroidism.</p> <h3 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?</h3> <p>Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/kidney-stones">kidney stones</a></li> <li>muscle pains</li> <li><a href="/fatigue">fatigue</a></li> <li>poor sleep</li> <li><a href="/anxiety">anxiety</a> and <a href="/depression">depression</a></li> <li>problems with thinking and memory</li> </ul> <p>A loss of calcium from your bones increases your risk of <a href="/osteoporosis">osteoporosis</a>. This is a condition where your bones become less dense and can break more easily.</p> <h3 id="treated">What is the treatment for hyperparathyroidism?</h3> <p>Your treatment will depend on the cause of your hyperparathyroidism. You should talk to your doctor to learn more about what treatment you might need and what to expect.</p> <p>For some types of primary hyperparathyroidism, your doctor might advise <a href="/surgery/parathyroidectomy">surgery to remove one or more of your parathyroid glands</a>.</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2>Hypoparathyroidism</h2> <p>Hypoparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands don't make enough parathyroid hormone.</p> <p>Hypoparathyroidism is rare. It usually happens if your parathyroid glands are damaged during neck surgery — for example, surgery for thyroid problems or hyperparathyroidism.</p> <h3 id="diagnosed">Diagnosis and treatment of hypoparathyroidism</h3> <p>Hypoparathyroidism causes low calcium levels in your blood. This can cause different symptoms, depending on how low your calcium level is and how quickly it drops.</p> <p>Your doctor can diagnose hypoparathyroidism by checking your calcium levels and parathyroid hormone levels with a blood test. Your blood <a href="/magnesium-blood-test">magnesium</a> level and <a href="/vitamin-d-test">vitamin D levels</a> should also be checked.</p> <p>Your treatment depends on your symptoms and your blood calcium level. Calcium replacement and calcitriol are usually given.</p> <p>If you have surgery on your thyroid or parathyroid glands, you will be closely watched for low calcium levels. You will be given calcium supplements to take after surgery. You'll also have regular checks of your calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p><a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://www.hormones-australia.org.au/">Hormones Australia</a> offers support and resources on hormone-related conditions and endocrine glands, including the parathyroid gland.</p> <p>You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.hormones-australia.org.au" target="_blank" title="Hormones Australia">Hormones Australia</a> <em>(Parathyroid gland)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://tgldcdp.tg.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Therapeutic Guidelines">Therapeutic Guidelines</a> <em>(Hyperparathyroidism)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://bestpractice.bmj.com/" target="_blank" title="BMJ Best Practice">BMJ Best Practice</a> <em>(Primary hyperparathyroidism)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://bestpractice.bmj.com/" target="_blank" title="BMJ Best Practice">BMJ Best Practice</a> <em>(Hypoparathyroidism)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: March 2023</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/surgery/parathyroidectomy" title="Parathyroidectomy">Parathyroidectomy</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/calcium" title="Search results for:calcium">calcium</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="25"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/hyperparathyroidism/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e6339ba6-3e3d-46f8-8430-87dcad8a3ef4"> <h3>Hyperparathyroidism - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Hyperparathyroidism is when your parathyroid glands (situated in the neck) produce too much parathyroid hormone, causing abnormally high calcium levels in the blood.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/parathyroid-glands" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e920ead6-46ba-48d5-b7cc-d73e7a4190e8"> <h3>Parathyroid glands - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The parathyroid glands make hormones that regulate calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the bones and blood.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.hormones-australia.org.au/the-endocrine-system/parathyroid/" data-partner-url="partners/hormones-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b8342b2a-9fdb-4650-8087-83f4d2a867c6"> <h3>Parathyroid Gland - Hormones Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium levels in the blood. Parathyroid hormone does this by acting on the bones to release calcium, and on the kidneysto reduce calcium clearance from the body.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Hormones Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Hormones Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/hormones-australia_logo-92c20d.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Parathyroid+Hormone+%28PTH%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|48beab78-1e0d-44e9-8a49-a07156866d7f"> <h3>Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps the body maintain stable levels of calcium in the blood. It is part of a ‘feedback loop’ that includes calcium, PTH, vitamin</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="http://knowledge.rarecancers.org.au/knowledgebase/cancer-types/56/parathyroid-cancer?CancerType=&Cat=&Alpha=" data-partner-url="partners/rare-cancers-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|8934e312-47be-4468-9ef7-c167af78f244"> <h3>Rare Cancers Australia - Parathyroid Cancer</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of a parathyroid gland.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Rare Cancers Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Rare Cancers Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/rare_cancer_australia_final-logo-white-476a65.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Ionised+calcium" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|2d57bfc6-bcfd-45bf-b566-e3cd433378f9"> <h3>Ionised calcium | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves and the heart and is required in blo</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/hormonal-endocrine-system" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bdbb8065-3b3c-491e-a124-6bb1a3eddcc8"> <h3>Hormonal (endocrine) system - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Hormones can be thought of as chemical messages that communicate with the body and bring about changes.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.insideradiology.com.au/parathyroid-mibi-scan/" data-partner-url="partners/inside-radiology" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d7d54313-8990-404c-9862-5964a4affbab"> <h3>Parathyroid MIBI Scan - InsideRadiology</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>InsideRadiology provides free and easily accessible, accurate, up to date and credible information about medical imaging tests and procedures.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on InsideRadiology website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="InsideRadiology" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/InsideRadiology_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://knowpathology.com.au/how-pathologists-help-surgeons/" data-partner-url="partners/know-pathology-know-healthcare" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|447533a0-44ef-472b-99e7-c09bc9a05b77"> <h3>How pathologists help surgeons | Know Pathology Know Healthcare</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>When you're under the knife an anatomical pathologist can help your surgeon make decisions abut your care</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Know Pathology Know Healthcare website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Know Pathology Know Healthcare" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/KPKH_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Calcium" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d37d04a2-1a39-4cc5-a98d-e8d8b4705258"> <h3>Calcium | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Plasma calcium is tested to screen for, diagnosis, and monitor a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys and teeth. Plasma calcium</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="11"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Parathyroid+Hormone+%28PTH%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|48beab78-1e0d-44e9-8a49-a07156866d7f"> <h3>Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps the body maintain stable levels of calcium in the blood. 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It is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves and the heart and is required in blo</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Calcium" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d37d04a2-1a39-4cc5-a98d-e8d8b4705258"> <h3>Calcium | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Plasma calcium is tested to screen for, diagnosis, and monitor a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys and teeth. Plasma calcium</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/treating-osteoporosis-risks-and-management.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|488801a2-6f12-45b4-9b37-f4e0a5a43bd6"> <h3>Risks and management for treating osteoporosis</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Given the high prevalence of osteoporosis, many cases are likely to be undetected and undertreated.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Phosphate" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|0084bf62-2b4f-4a83-bf8b-73f480e8f3f6"> <h3>Phosphate | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The majority, (70–80 per cent) of phosphate exists in the bones, complexed with calcium as hydroxyapatite, and a small fraction, 1 per cent is in the blood m</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/rational-prescribing-in-community-palliative-care.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|56fc3ef4-c999-410e-ac2e-71729cb70df3"> <h3>Rational prescribing in community palliative care - Australian Prescriber</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Deprescribing unnecessary drugs should be considered in patients at the end of life.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Vitamin+D" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|b129da69-65a4-4cb5-8448-2f97afe8751f"> <h3>Vitamin D | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in the d</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/kidney-stones" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|58a3740e-b10d-4306-bfbb-d6fc7956108d"> <h3>Kidney Stones | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorders, affecting between 4 and 8% of the Australian population at any given time.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Bone+markers" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|5bf41873-4e14-463e-a190-f01663b39165"> <h3>Bone markers | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Bone is the rigid, hard connective tissue that comprises the majority of the skeleton in humans. 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