"Calcitonin is a hormone of the thyroid gland that plays a role in regulating calcium and has benefits in maintaining calcium balance and bone health."
Calcitonin is a peptide hormone produced by the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the neck. This hormone plays an important role in the regulation of calcium in the human body. Calcitonin is beneficial in helping to maintain calcium balance by reducing calcium levels in the blood.
The mechanism of action of calcitonin is by inhibiting the activity of osteoclast cells which are responsible for the release of calcium from bones, as well as stimulating calcium excretion through the kidneys. Check out the following further explanation!
How Calcitonin Works in the Body's Metabolism
This hormone works by several mechanisms to maintain calcium balance and influence metabolic processes involving this mineral. Here's how calcitonin works in the body's metabolism:
1. Stimulates Calcium Excretion by the Kidneys
This hormone can stimulate the kidneys to increase calcium excretion through urine. It does this by increasing the filtration of calcium in the kidneys and decreasing the re-absorption of calcium into the blood.
2. Calcium deposits in the bones
Calcitonin also plays a role in the deposition of calcium in the bones. This hormone stimulates the addition of calcium into the bones which helps strengthen the bone structure. So that it can maintain bone density and prevent the decrease in bone density associated with osteoporosis.
3. Influence on Phosphate Metabolism
In addition to calcium, in fact it has an important role in the metabolism of phosphate in the body. This hormone plays a role in reducing the absorption of phosphate from the digestive tract and reducing the reabsorption of phosphate by the kidneys. This helps maintain the balance of phosphates in the body. Interaction with Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Calcitonin has the opposite interaction with parathyroid hormone or parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH increases calcium levels in the blood by releasing calcium from bones and increasing calcium absorption from the digestive tract. Meanwhile, calcitonin works the other way around by reducing the release of calcium from the bones and increasing calcium excretion by the kidneys. The interaction between these two hormones helps maintain the balance of calcium in the body.
What Are the Benefits of Calcitonin for Health?
Calcitonin is an important hormone produced by the thyroid gland and has several health benefits for the human body. This hormone is involved in calcium regulation and has a positive effect on bone health. Here are some of its health benefits:
1. Maintain Bone Health
One of its main benefits is maintaining bone health. This hormone helps minimize the release of calcium from the bones into the blood, which can reduce the risk of decreased bone density and osteoporosis. By maintaining bone density, calcitonin helps prevent fractures and maintains bone strength and integrity.
2. Osteoporosis Treatment
This hormone is also useful as a treatment option for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose mass and become brittle. By inhibiting the release of calcium from the bones, calcitonin can help slow the process of losing bone mass, strengthen bone structure, and reduce the risk of fractures with osteoporosis.
3. Postoperative Thyroid Treatment
After surgery on the thyroid gland, especially when there is complete removal of the thyroid gland, the level of calcium in the blood may increase. Administering calcitonin in the postoperative period can help lower blood calcium levels and prevent symptoms of hypocalcemia, namely a lack of calcium in the blood.