In the list of hormones that regulate the normal functioning of the body of women and men, calcitonin occupies a special place. The role assigned to it by nature is not fully understood, however, the information available to modern science is sufficient to assess the importance of this substance.
Record content:
- 1 Functions in the body
- 2 How and under what conditions is it produced
- 3 Indicator table is normal
- 4 Up and down symptoms
- 5 Reasons for promotion and demotion
- 6 Indications for research
- 7 How is it determined
- 8 Preparation and analysis
- 9 Decoding the results
- 10 When to see a doctor
-
11 How to bounce back
- 11.1 Medications
- 11.2 Traditional methods
- 11.3 Other methods
- 11.4 Radioactive iodine treatment
- 11.5 Hormone therapy
- 11.6 External irradiation
- 11.7 Chemotherapy
- 12 Possible complications
- 13 Calcitonin video
Functions in the body
Calcitonin is a hormone, produced by parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland.
Also, a small amount of this hormone is synthesized by cells:
- intestinal mucosa (endothelium);
- lungs;
- thymus gland.
The main structural unit of the thyroid gland are follicles, consisting of 2 types of cells:
- type "A", producing tereoid hormones that regulate general metabolic processes;
- type "B", responsible for the synthesis of serotonin (neurotransmitter, or "hormone of happiness").
C-cells, in which calcitonin is synthesized, are located in the interfollicular space and constitute an insignificant part of the total volume of the gland.
Modern science believes that the main function of calcitotin is to regulate the concentration of calcium (Ca) in the blood by reducing it.
This hormone is capable of:
- partially block the process of "extraction" of calcium from food by the intestine;
- activating the kidneys, accelerate the excretion of calcium through the genitourinary system;
- initiate the process of calcium absorption by bone tissue, activating the cells responsible for its "construction" (osteoblasts);
- to reduce the activity of osteoclasts, which perform exactly the opposite function (causing bone destruction).
How and under what conditions is it produced
The mechanism for the production of calcitonin is triggered by an increase in the level of calcium in the blood.
Simplified, its action can be described as follows:
- If the concentration of calcium increases (for example, after eating food containing this mineral), C cells, under the influence of gastrin produced in the stomach (a hormone that regulates the process of digestion), begin to work intensively, synthesizing calcitonin.
- Calcitonin, acting on the receptors of bone tissue (osteocytes), initiates the process of absorption of calcium by it, activates osteoblasts and blocks osteoclasts.
- As a result, bone mineral density increases and the amount of calcium in the blood decreases to safe levels.
If necessary, under the influence of calcitonin, the kidneys are connected to the process of calcium excretion, absorbing more calcium from the blood, and the intestines temporarily cease to absorb this mineral.
This mechanism of regulation of calcium levels protects the body from hyprecalcemia - an excess of calcium:
- leading to disturbances in the work of internal organs;
- negatively affecting the functioning of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract;
- provoking the development of cardiovascular diseases.
After the calcium level drops to normal values, within a few minutes calcitonin breaks down into components and is removed from the body. Normally, the more calcium enters the body, the more calcitonin is produced, and vice versa.
Indicator table is normal
Calcitonin-norm in women and men is measured in pg per ml of blood, 1 pg = 10-12 g. The lower indicator of the normal level is considered to be a value of 0.1 pg / ml. It conditionally and temporarily can decrease even to zero values.
More informatively, the value of the upper limit, which depends on age, sex, weight, blood calcium level, is:
| Age | Norm pg / ml |
| Children under 12 years old | 20 |
| Women and girls over 13 years old | 18,2 |
| Men and boys over 13 | 11,5 |
When we talk about the level of calcitonin, we mean its concentration in blood taken on an empty stomach, after fasting for 8-12 hours in people with normal weight. When calcium enters the body, this indicator can increase several times, which is normal.
Up and down symptoms
A significant persistent change in the concentration of calcitonin in the blood leads to a disruption in the regulation of calcium levels and can cause hypercalcemia.
Its first symptoms are gastrointestinal problems, manifested by:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- constant thirst;
- frequent urination.
In severe forms of hypercalcemia, the following are observed:
- disturbances in the work of the central nervous system;
- disorientation;
- coma.
With low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), the following are possible:
- tingling in the fingers, lips and tongue;
- breathing problems;
- muscle spasms;
- disorders of the heart;
- hypertension;
- general deterioration in well-being.
In children, hypocalcemia leads to rickets, in adults - to diseases of the bone tissue.
Reasons for promotion and demotion
Increased or decreased calcitonin in women and men may be the physiological norm.
For example, his level:
- gradually decreases as they grow older;
- increases in women during pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters);
- falls strongly in the elderly due to age-related changes in the thyroid gland.
Changes in calcitonin levels can also be caused by some medications, for example, drugs, containing this hormone, which are used in the treatment of bone diseases associated with a lack of her calcium.
To pathologies that cause disturbances in the work of the thyroid gland, as a result of which it begins to produce excessive amounts of the hormone, include:
- medullary thyroid cancer. It is a rare form of cancer that develops in C cells. In the early stages of the disease, it manifests itself as pain in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, unreasonable cough;
- pathologies of the thyroid gland, not associated with oncology;
- malignant tumors in the chest and internal organs: kidneys, stomach, liver, lungs, prostate;
- benign tumors localized in the lungs;
- kidney disease (kidney failure);
- pancreatic adenoma;
- Addison-Birmer disease or pernicious anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- pancreatitis in the acute stage.
A persistent decrease in the level of calcitonin is possible during the period of taking certain dosage forms, in particular, phenytoin (used for epilepsy) and ocreotide (a drug for the treatment of pancreatitis).
A low concentration of this hormone can:
- testify to pathological changes in bone tissue (osteoparosis);
- talk about endocrine disorders (hypoparathyroidism);
- observed in patients who have undergone thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland).
Indications for research
Calcitonin is the norm in women and men is determined by laboratory tests.
They can be assigned to:
- finding out the reasons for the violation of calcium metabolism;
- diagnostics of benign tumors capable of producing calcitonin;
- detecting medullary cancer.
Depending on the age of the patient, the analysis is prescribed by a therapist or pediatrician, as well as:
| Specialist | Indications for appointment |
| Surgeon |
|
| Endocrinologist | Suspicions of pathological processes in the thyroid or parathyroid glands, manifested by:
|
| Orthopedist |
|
| Oncologist | Detection of pathologies of the thyroid gland, indicating a malignant formation:
The analysis is needed to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to assess the size of the tumor and determine the presence or absence of metastases |
How is it determined
Calcitonin (the norm in women and men is determined by analysis) can be determined by donating venous blood on an empty stomach. Should pass at least 8 hours after the last meal. The concentration of calcitonin is determined using a special device - an immunochemiluminescent or enzyme immunoassay analyzer.
More advanced diagnostic devices of the 3rd generation, which give a minimum error. When using equipment of the 2nd generation, errors are possible, which entail an incorrect diagnosis and ineffective treatment. Therefore, when choosing a laboratory, you should find out what kind of equipment will be used.
In controversial cases, if there are symptoms of the disease, but the level of calcitonin is normal, a provocative test can be performed. It consists in the fact that the patient is injected intravenously with calcium gluconate or pentagastrin (substances that provoke the release of calcitonin into the blood).
Calcitonin levels are measured before the procedure, as well as 3, 5 and 10 minutes after it. A provocative test is safe for the patient, gives more accurate results than a conventional test and allows you to confirm or deny the diagnosis.
Preparation and analysis
A blood test for calcitonin will give a reliable result, subject to the rules of preparation for it. The doctor is required to collect anamnesis, to find out if the patient is taking medications that can distort the data obtained.
The patient will have the following:
- 10 days before the study, stop taking drugs that can affect the level of calcitonin;
- during the day preceding the delivery of the test, refrain from drinking alcohol;
- on the last evening before the study, at least 8 hours before it, limit herself to a light dinner made from foods with a minimum fat content. It is recommended to avoid fried foods;
- for 1-2 hours before donating blood, do not smoke, do not consume food and drinks, except for pure water. Refrain from actions that require large expenditures of physical strength, exclude anxiety and emotional stress;
- 15 minutes before the start of the study, calm down and sit.
Before taking blood to determine the level of calcitonin, you can not do:
- physiotherapy procedures;
- instrumental examinations;
- fluorography;
- Ultrasound;
- massage.
Any medical procedure can skew the test results.
Due to the large number of restrictions, the analysis is scheduled at 8-11 am. The blood is taken from a vein and immediately frozen. Subsequently, serum is separated from the blood and examined by chemiluminescent immune or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results are ready the next day.
After conservative or surgical treatment, the patient may be assigned a second examination in order to monitor the dynamics of changes.
In this case, the patient is offered:
- to carry it out after the end of the course of drug treatment. After the last dose of the medicine, it should take about 2 weeks;
- donate blood for analysis every 3 months for a year after surgery to remove a malignant tumor, after - every six months for life. This is done to timely diagnose the recurrence of the disease and the appearance of metastases.
It should be borne in mind: the result of the analysis can be distorted if the requirements for preparation for it are not followed.
For example, when:
- high physical activity preceding blood sampling;
- conducting medical procedures before taking blood;
- treatment with drugs containing calcium;
- consumption shortly before taking a sample of a large amount of sweet;
- taking medications based on estrogen.
Decoding the results
You can decipher the analysis result yourself.
Usually there are 4 columns on the form:
| Count | Decoding |
| Test name | Calcitonin |
| Result | For example, less than 2.0 |
| Units | PG / mg |
| Reference values | Normal for a given age and gender. For example, 0.1-5.0 |
The reference values are highly dependent on the equipment used and can vary significantly from laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, if it is necessary to pass several tests in order to determine the dynamics of changes, it is important to perform the procedure in the same institution.
By comparing the numbers in the 2nd and 4th columns, you can find out if the calcitonin level is normal or overestimated / underestimated.
Too high values can mean:
| Calcitonin level (pg / mg) | Possible reason |
| Less than 40 | The presence of small nodes in the thyroid gland that do not give metastases |
| 100 | Malignant tumor of the thyroid gland |
| Less than 400 | Low likelihood of metastases |
| More than 400 | High likelihood of metastases |
| About 60 | The body's response to medication, food, etc. |
When to see a doctor
The obtained result of the analysis is not a basis for making a diagnosis, since the method for determining the level of calcitonin is not perfect enough, as a result of which errors are possible. In addition, various factors can influence the concentration of the hormone in the blood. For example, excitement or testing in the middle of the day.
However, if the test results show a multiple excess of the calcitonin level, you should consult a doctor with the purpose of conducting further research to determine the cause, make a definitive diagnosis and purpose treatment.
Consultation with a specialist is urgently required if, with a nutritious diet, high calcitonin levels are accompanied by symptoms that may indicate hypo- or hypercalcemia.
This is:
- fragility of bone tissue, frequent fractures of the limbs;
- joint pain;
- frequent muscle cramps;
- tingling sensation in fingers and feet;
- disturbances in the work of the heart;
- gastrointestinal problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
An immediate visit to the doctor is necessary for any signs of the development of medullary cancer, for which, in addition to a multiple increase in concentration calcitonin in the blood indicate:
- sore throat not associated with the common cold;
- difficulty swallowing;
- the presence of subcutaneous lumps in the neck, which can be easily detected on your own.
Medullary cancer is a rare form of cancer (it accounts for 5-6% of all thyroid cancers), develops extremely slowly, is easily diagnosed, but dangerous because in the early stages it can give metastases. The earlier the pathology is detected, the higher the patient's chances of successful treatment.
How to bounce back
Calcitonin is the norm in women and men - this is just an indicator of how well the thyroid gland is working. There is no point in treating him. With high rates, it is necessary to find the cause and cure the disease that caused the increase / decrease in the concentration of the hormone in the blood.
Depending on the type and severity of the disease, conservative or surgical methods are used for treatment.
Medications
In the treatment of kidney disease (renal failure), leading to an increase in calcitonin levels, drugs are used:
- diuretics that facilitate urine output (furosimed, uregid);
- eliminating excess phosphates in the blood (selamerex);
- saturating the body with the amino acids it needs (ketoaminol, ketosteril);
- accelerating metabolism (cocarbaxylase);
- enterosorbents (polyphepan);
- choleretic (chophytol).
With prostate adenoma, one of the symptoms of which is a high level of calcitonin, drugs are prescribed:
- preventing its growth (terazonin, doxazolin);
- blocking the production of substances that contribute to the development of adenoma (finasteride, dutasteride).
With pernicious anemia, which can be diagnosed by blood tests for calcitonin, are shown:
- vitamin B12 injections;
- drugs that normalize the process of its assimilation;
- medicines that eliminate metabolic disorders.
There are a number of drugs based on calcitonin that increase its concentration in the blood.
Applicable:
- with hypercalcemia as a means of normalizing calcium levels;
- in diseases leading to bone thinning (osteoporosis) to initiate the mineralization process and strengthen bone tissue;
- as a prevention of dystrophic bone changes in postmenopausal women.
In the list of drugs:
- Miacaltsik;
- Calcitonin;
- Osteobion;
- Osteobios;
- Endocalcin
- Bonefos;
- Ostogenon.
Traditional methods
Traditional methods will help to normalize the work of the thyroid gland and the level of calcitonin, however, they must be used after consulting a doctor. It should also be borne in mind that they are not always applicable: in severe diseases (oncology), folk methods can only be used as an aid.
For the health of the thyroid gland and the prevention of its diseases, traditional medicine recommends:
- chop lemon or orange together with zest, mix with sugar. Eat 1 teaspoon three times a day;
- drink 20 drops of liquid hawthorn extract three times a day on an empty stomach;
- prepare a rosehip broth and drink 0.5 tbsp. before every meal;
- prepare a mixture of 1 tbsp. l. licorice root and 2 tbsp. l. madder root, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over it, insist. Drink a glass every morning.
- eat more fresh leafy greens and chokeberry berries.
Also remember that the main enemies of the thyroid gland are:
- smoking;
- alcohol;
- iodine deficiency;
- constant stress;
- overwork;
- lack of sleep;
- excessive drug addiction.
If you do not exclude these factors, any treatment methods will not give a positive result.
Other methods
If the increase in calcitonin levels is caused by a developing medullary tumor (carcinoma), then the main form of treatment is surgery. Depending on the severity of the disease, surgical removal of the tumor and nearby tissues is performed, or in the later stages of the disease and with large carcinomas, thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid glands).
Radioactive iodine treatment
It is performed 4 weeks after the operation in order to finally remove the remnant of the malignant tissue. The principle of treatment is based on the fact that radioactive iodine is absorbed mainly by the thyroid gland and destroys its tissues without harming other organs.
Hormone therapy
Taking hormonal drugs (thyroxine), replenishing their deficiency after removal of the gland.
External irradiation
Exposing cancer cells to hard X-rays. Unlike healthy tissues, tumor cells are more vulnerable and die faster, while healthy cells damaged during the procedure regenerate over time.
Irradiation can be performed:
- before surgery to reduce the size of the area affected by the tumor;
- after surgery to destroy the remaining malignant neoplasms;
- with inoperable forms of cancer to slow down the development of the tumor and alleviate the patient's condition.
Chemotherapy
The introduction into the body by drip or in the form of tablets of poisons that destroy cancer cells and are relatively safe for healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy can be carried out:
- as a medical procedure, replacing an operation in the early stages of the disease;
- to shrink the tumor before surgery;
- for the complete elimination of tumor fragments after surgery;
- for the prevention of recurrence of the disease.
Possible complications
Since calcitonin is a tumor marker of the most dangerous form of cancer, then, ignoring the test result showing multiple exceeding its concentration, you can miss the time when the disease can be treated with sparing methods, without removing the thyroid glands.
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by special cells in the thyroid gland. Its main role is to maintain normal calcium levels in the body of a woman, man or child.
In addition, in modern medicine, it is considered a tumor marker of the most dangerous type of cancer - medullary thyroid carcinoma. Also, by the concentration of calcitonin in the blood, one can judge the presence of other diseases of the bone tissue and internal organs.
Calcitonin video
The role of calcitonin in the body:
