The parathyroid glands produce PTH, also known as parathormone. PTH controls calcium levels in the blood. Calcium helps you have strong bones and teeth. Your nerves, muscles, and heart depend on it to function properly. When calcium levels in the blood are too low, the parathyroid glands release PTH. PTH raises calcium levels in the blood. When calcium levels in the blood are too high, these glands will stop producing PTH. A high or low PTH level can cause serious health issues.

The parathyroid hormone test measures the levels of parathyroid hormone in the body which is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium.

Your  doctor may advise parathyroid hormone test if you have too much calcium in your blood or too little calcium.

In case you have excess calcium in your body then you may experience following symptoms:

• Tiredness
• An increase in thirst
• Vomiting and nausea
• Stones in the kidney
• Bones that are easily broken
• Urination is more frequent

In case of very low calcium levels in your body, you may have following symptoms:

• Cramps in the muscles
• An irregular heartbeat
• Having tingling in your fingertips or toes

The HbA1c test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab.