Avoid measuring PTH in the assessment of fatigue and other non-specific symptoms

Norwegian Society for Endocrinology

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) exhibits physiological secretion peaks throughout the day that may fall outside the normal range. Elevated PTH levels alone do not cause symptoms. PTH measurement is primarily relevant in cases of confirmed hypo- or hypercalcemia.

16. JULI 2025

Measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH) is indicated in the evaluation of calcium metabolism disorders, monitoring patients with chronic kidney disease, and, in rare cases, investigating secondary osteoporosis. Elevated calcium levels along with increased PTH concentrations are observed in primary hyperparathyroidism. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs with hypocalcemia, vitamin D deficiency, and kidney disease. Low PTH concentrations are seen in primary hypoparathyroidism, severe hypo- or hypermagnesemia, and hypercalcemia caused by factors other than primary hyperparathyroidism.

References:

Brukerhåndbok i medisinsk biokjemi OUS, https://ous.labfag.no/?book_request=ousbiokjemi)
Schmitt CP, Schaefer F, Bruch A, Veldhuis JD, Schmidt-Gayk H, Stein G, Ritz E, Mehls O. Control of pulsatile and tonic parathyroid hormone secretion by ionized calcium. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Dec;81(12):4236-43. PMID: 8954021.