PTH is low. What does that mean?

My calcium and vit d levels were normal but my PTH was 13 which they consider low. Dr. was confused as to why this would happen and wasn't sure if it is something to be concerned over or not. Anyone have any information or insight on this? I would appreciate any feedback.

Other than that, all my yearly test came back normal. Is there any as a Bariatric patient I should pay special attention to?

I wouldn't worry about it.  PTH is one thing you want low, although I don't know how low would be too low.  It is when it is elevated that you need to worry as that means you aren't getting enough calcium so your body is leaching it from your bones.

Thank you! That's what I read and wanted to make sure I understood it right. Wonder why one would have a low PTH, though? Hmmm

Usually the reference range for PTH is listed as something like 10 to 66, so I would not worry about it being 13.

When it is very low, though, it can mean the parathyroid gland is not working right and can be serious.

I would pay attention to your D and B12.  The references ranges for those are usually listed as something lower than research shows is needed for good health. For instance, the range listed by most labs for D is usually something like 30 to 80, when research shows people need a D level of at least 80.  The range listed by most labs for B12 is usually something like 200 to 900, when research shows people start developing symptoms like fatigue and depression below 550 and can get permanent nerve damage under 400.

Kelly, my vit D level is 66. Should I increase the amount I'm taking?

Well, I don't like to tell people what to do because I can't give medical advice, blah blah blah.  I would increase mine a little bit if it was 66.  There is a lot of research that shows when it's above 80, people are at decreased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer.  66 is pretty close, so I would just up it a little bit.

It's just a little thing, but please don't consider yourself a "bariatric patient".   You had a surgery, life goes on ...  

You *may* have special needs in terms of vitamins and minerals but you may not!   To all intents and purposes, you are a normal person and not everything you ever encounter from this point on is due to your RNY!   

You need to watch all your blood results for trending - whether they are going up or down - any level taken in isolation may look "normal" but the variation from test to test is what is important.

Thank you, I like the way you think!

You want it low however below range I haven't researched so no idea. Mine was 13 with the low range at 11. My doc was estatic with my D, calcium and PTH levels.