Calcitonin: What It Is and Why It Matters
Calcitonin is a hormone made by the thyroid that helps keep your calcium levels in check. When blood calcium rises too high, calcitonin steps in to lower it by telling bones to store more calcium and kidneys to dump excess. This simple feedback loop protects your nerves and muscles from the chaos of fluctuating calcium.
How Calcitonin Works in the Body
Imagine calcium as a busy highway. Calcitonin acts like a traffic cop, slowing down cars (calcium) when there’s congestion. It binds to receptors on bone cells called osteoclasts and tells them to slow their breakdown work. Less bone loss means more calcium stays where it belongs—inside the bones. At the same time, the kidneys get the memo to excrete extra calcium in urine.
Medical Uses and When Doctors Recommend Calcitonin
Doctors mainly use calcitonin for two reasons: treating osteoporosis and managing high blood calcium caused by cancer or overactive parathyroid glands. In osteoporosis, a nasal spray or injection can add a modest boost to bone density, especially in people who can’t take other meds. For hypercalcemia, quick‑acting injections help bring levels down fast.
If you’ve been told you need calcitonic therapy, the form matters. The nasal spray is easy to self‑administer and works well for long‑term bone health. Injections are reserved for urgent situations or when the spray isn’t tolerated. Dosages vary: a typical spray contains 200 IU per puff taken once daily; injections range from 100 to 400 IU every few weeks, depending on your condition.
Before you start, let your doctor know about any allergies, especially to salmon or fish proteins—some calcitonin products are derived from these sources. Also mention if you have a history of low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) because the drug can push levels too low.
Side effects are usually mild. The most common complaint with the nasal spray is a runny or stuffy nose, which often eases after a week. Injections might cause soreness at the site, nausea, or flushing. Rarely, people experience allergic reactions like hives or shortness of breath—seek medical help right away if that happens.
Monitoring is key. Your doctor will likely check calcium levels, kidney function, and bone density scans before you start and periodically during treatment. If blood calcium drops below the normal range, they’ll adjust your dose or pause therapy.
Can you take calcitonin with other meds? Generally yes, but there are a few interactions to watch. Calcium supplements taken at the same time can blunt the hormone’s effect, so space them out by a few hours. Some thyroid drugs may need dose tweaks because both affect calcium balance.
What if you miss a dose? For the nasal spray, just use it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for your next dose, then skip and resume your regular schedule. Missing an injection isn’t a big deal; call your clinic to reschedule.
In summary, calcitonin is a handy tool when you need extra help controlling calcium or protecting bone mass. It’s not a miracle cure, but for the right patients it adds a useful layer of protection. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether this hormone fits into your treatment plan, and follow their monitoring schedule to stay safe.
