Part of
Thyroid health
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium levels and can be elevated in certain thyroid cancers.
Calcitonin
Normal range
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Calcitonin
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium levels and can be elevated in certain thyroid cancers.
Calcitonin
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Calcitonin
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium levels and can be elevated in certain thyroid cancers.
Calcitonin
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Calcitonin
Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates calcium levels and can be elevated in certain thyroid cancers.
Calcitonin
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Male <11 ng/L; Female <6 ng/L
Normal range
Calcitonin
Dr. Jack Devin
MBBS
Your Thyroid's Calcium Guardian
Your Thyroid's Calcium Guardian
Your Thyroid's Calcium Guardian
Your thyroid gland contains specialised cells called C-cells that produce calcitonin, a hormone dedicated to keeping your calcium levels perfectly balanced. Think of calcitonin as your body's calcium traffic controller—when calcium levels rise too high in your bloodstream, calcitonin steps in to guide that excess calcium back into your bones where it belongs, protecting your muscles and nerves from calcium overload whilst strengthening your skeleton.
Under normal circumstances, your C-cells quietly produce small amounts of calcitonin to maintain this delicate calcium balance. Calcitonin testing becomes particularly valuable when doctors need to assess how well these specialised thyroid cells are functioning, especially for people who've had certain thyroid conditions or those being monitored for specific thyroid-related concerns that affect these calcium-regulating cells.
Your thyroid gland contains specialised cells called C-cells that produce calcitonin, a hormone dedicated to keeping your calcium levels perfectly balanced. Think of calcitonin as your body's calcium traffic controller—when calcium levels rise too high in your bloodstream, calcitonin steps in to guide that excess calcium back into your bones where it belongs, protecting your muscles and nerves from calcium overload whilst strengthening your skeleton.
Under normal circumstances, your C-cells quietly produce small amounts of calcitonin to maintain this delicate calcium balance. Calcitonin testing becomes particularly valuable when doctors need to assess how well these specialised thyroid cells are functioning, especially for people who've had certain thyroid conditions or those being monitored for specific thyroid-related concerns that affect these calcium-regulating cells.
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
Discover how this calcium-regulating hormone provides insights into your thyroid's specialised C-cell function and overall calcium balance.
Read more
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
Understanding the factors that affect calcitonin levels and why individual measurements can vary between people and circumstances.
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Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Learn how doctors use calcitonin measurements for specific thyroid conditions and why this test is particularly valuable in certain situations.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Decode your numbers and know what different calcitonin levels mean for your thyroid health and calcium regulation.
Read more
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
Normal calcitonin levels indicate that your thyroid's C-cells are working properly to regulate calcium, maintaining the delicate balance your body needs for healthy bones, muscles, and nerve function. When these levels remain within expected ranges, it suggests your calcium regulation system is functioning smoothly.
Elevated calcitonin levels suggest that your C-cells are producing more hormone than usual, which can happen for various reasons. Whilst this might sound concerning, many factors can influence calcitonin production, and elevated levels often have manageable explanations that your doctor can help identify and address.
The beauty of calcitonin testing lies in its ability to detect changes early, allowing doctors to investigate thoroughly and provide appropriate guidance or treatment when needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
Normal calcitonin levels indicate that your thyroid's C-cells are working properly to regulate calcium, maintaining the delicate balance your body needs for healthy bones, muscles, and nerve function. When these levels remain within expected ranges, it suggests your calcium regulation system is functioning smoothly.
Elevated calcitonin levels suggest that your C-cells are producing more hormone than usual, which can happen for various reasons. Whilst this might sound concerning, many factors can influence calcitonin production, and elevated levels often have manageable explanations that your doctor can help identify and address.
The beauty of calcitonin testing lies in its ability to detect changes early, allowing doctors to investigate thoroughly and provide appropriate guidance or treatment when needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
Normal calcitonin levels indicate that your thyroid's C-cells are working properly to regulate calcium, maintaining the delicate balance your body needs for healthy bones, muscles, and nerve function. When these levels remain within expected ranges, it suggests your calcium regulation system is functioning smoothly.
Elevated calcitonin levels suggest that your C-cells are producing more hormone than usual, which can happen for various reasons. Whilst this might sound concerning, many factors can influence calcitonin production, and elevated levels often have manageable explanations that your doctor can help identify and address.
The beauty of calcitonin testing lies in its ability to detect changes early, allowing doctors to investigate thoroughly and provide appropriate guidance or treatment when needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
When Calcitonin Levels Reveal Important Information
Normal calcitonin levels indicate that your thyroid's C-cells are working properly to regulate calcium, maintaining the delicate balance your body needs for healthy bones, muscles, and nerve function. When these levels remain within expected ranges, it suggests your calcium regulation system is functioning smoothly.
Elevated calcitonin levels suggest that your C-cells are producing more hormone than usual, which can happen for various reasons. Whilst this might sound concerning, many factors can influence calcitonin production, and elevated levels often have manageable explanations that your doctor can help identify and address.
The beauty of calcitonin testing lies in its ability to detect changes early, allowing doctors to investigate thoroughly and provide appropriate guidance or treatment when needed, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
Your calcitonin levels naturally vary based on several factors including your gender, age, and individual physiology. Men typically have slightly higher baseline calcitonin levels than women due to natural differences in calcium metabolism and C-cell activity.
Certain medications can influence calcitonin production, including proton pump inhibitors commonly used for acid reflux and calcium supplements taken for bone health. These effects are usually modest and temporary, but it's helpful to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking when having calcitonin testing.
Various thyroid conditions can affect calcitonin levels, including thyroid enlargement or inflammation. Additionally, some non-thyroid conditions and certain other hormone-producing tissues can occasionally influence calcitonin measurements, which is why your doctor considers your complete medical picture when interpreting results.
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
Your calcitonin levels naturally vary based on several factors including your gender, age, and individual physiology. Men typically have slightly higher baseline calcitonin levels than women due to natural differences in calcium metabolism and C-cell activity.
Certain medications can influence calcitonin production, including proton pump inhibitors commonly used for acid reflux and calcium supplements taken for bone health. These effects are usually modest and temporary, but it's helpful to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking when having calcitonin testing.
Various thyroid conditions can affect calcitonin levels, including thyroid enlargement or inflammation. Additionally, some non-thyroid conditions and certain other hormone-producing tissues can occasionally influence calcitonin measurements, which is why your doctor considers your complete medical picture when interpreting results.
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
Your calcitonin levels naturally vary based on several factors including your gender, age, and individual physiology. Men typically have slightly higher baseline calcitonin levels than women due to natural differences in calcium metabolism and C-cell activity.
Certain medications can influence calcitonin production, including proton pump inhibitors commonly used for acid reflux and calcium supplements taken for bone health. These effects are usually modest and temporary, but it's helpful to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking when having calcitonin testing.
Various thyroid conditions can affect calcitonin levels, including thyroid enlargement or inflammation. Additionally, some non-thyroid conditions and certain other hormone-producing tissues can occasionally influence calcitonin measurements, which is why your doctor considers your complete medical picture when interpreting results.
What Influences Your Calcitonin Production
Your calcitonin levels naturally vary based on several factors including your gender, age, and individual physiology. Men typically have slightly higher baseline calcitonin levels than women due to natural differences in calcium metabolism and C-cell activity.
Certain medications can influence calcitonin production, including proton pump inhibitors commonly used for acid reflux and calcium supplements taken for bone health. These effects are usually modest and temporary, but it's helpful to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking when having calcitonin testing.
Various thyroid conditions can affect calcitonin levels, including thyroid enlargement or inflammation. Additionally, some non-thyroid conditions and certain other hormone-producing tissues can occasionally influence calcitonin measurements, which is why your doctor considers your complete medical picture when interpreting results.
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin serves as a highly specific marker for medullary thyroid cancer, a relatively uncommon but important group of thyroid concerns that originate from the C-cells themselves. This makes calcitonin testing particularly valuable for people with family histories of certain thyroid conditions or those requiring ongoing monitoring.
For individuals who've been treated for medullary thyroid cancer, calcitonin monitoring provides reassurance that treatment has been successful. Regular testing can detect any changes early, allowing for prompt medical attention when needed.
Family screening becomes important for certain inherited conditions affecting the thyroid's C-cells. If someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor might recommend periodic calcitonin and thyroid testing.
The sensitivity of calcitonin testing means it can detect very small changes in C-cell activity, providing a valuable early warning system that helps maintain thyroid health through appropriate medical monitoring and intervention when necessary.
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin serves as a highly specific marker for medullary thyroid cancer, a relatively uncommon but important group of thyroid concerns that originate from the C-cells themselves. This makes calcitonin testing particularly valuable for people with family histories of certain thyroid conditions or those requiring ongoing monitoring.
For individuals who've been treated for medullary thyroid cancer, calcitonin monitoring provides reassurance that treatment has been successful. Regular testing can detect any changes early, allowing for prompt medical attention when needed.
Family screening becomes important for certain inherited conditions affecting the thyroid's C-cells. If someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor might recommend periodic calcitonin and thyroid testing.
The sensitivity of calcitonin testing means it can detect very small changes in C-cell activity, providing a valuable early warning system that helps maintain thyroid health through appropriate medical monitoring and intervention when necessary.
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin serves as a highly specific marker for medullary thyroid cancer, a relatively uncommon but important group of thyroid concerns that originate from the C-cells themselves. This makes calcitonin testing particularly valuable for people with family histories of certain thyroid conditions or those requiring ongoing monitoring.
For individuals who've been treated for medullary thyroid cancer, calcitonin monitoring provides reassurance that treatment has been successful. Regular testing can detect any changes early, allowing for prompt medical attention when needed.
Family screening becomes important for certain inherited conditions affecting the thyroid's C-cells. If someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor might recommend periodic calcitonin and thyroid testing.
The sensitivity of calcitonin testing means it can detect very small changes in C-cell activity, providing a valuable early warning system that helps maintain thyroid health through appropriate medical monitoring and intervention when necessary.
Calcitonin's Role in Specialised Monitoring
Calcitonin serves as a highly specific marker for medullary thyroid cancer, a relatively uncommon but important group of thyroid concerns that originate from the C-cells themselves. This makes calcitonin testing particularly valuable for people with family histories of certain thyroid conditions or those requiring ongoing monitoring.
For individuals who've been treated for medullary thyroid cancer, calcitonin monitoring provides reassurance that treatment has been successful. Regular testing can detect any changes early, allowing for prompt medical attention when needed.
Family screening becomes important for certain inherited conditions affecting the thyroid's C-cells. If someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer, your doctor might recommend periodic calcitonin and thyroid testing.
The sensitivity of calcitonin testing means it can detect very small changes in C-cell activity, providing a valuable early warning system that helps maintain thyroid health through appropriate medical monitoring and intervention when necessary.
Understanding Your Results
Reference Ranges:
Male: Less than 11.8 ng/L (normal)
Female: Less than 4.8 ng/L (normal)
Alternative ranges: Less than 10 pg/mL (some laboratories)
Normal calcitonin levels suggest your thyroid's C-cells are functioning well and producing appropriate amounts of this calcium-regulating hormone. These levels indicate that your calcium balance system is working effectively to support your bone health and overall wellbeing.
Mildly elevated levels might indicate early changes in C-cell activity and typically prompt your doctor to recommend follow-up testing or additional evaluation to better understand what's causing the increase and determine appropriate next steps. Higher calcitonin levels warrant more comprehensive evaluation by specialists who can perform additional tests and imaging studies to understand the underlying cause and develop the most appropriate management plan for your individual situation.
Understanding Your Results
Reference Ranges:
Male: Less than 11.8 ng/L (normal)
Female: Less than 4.8 ng/L (normal)
Alternative ranges: Less than 10 pg/mL (some laboratories)
Normal calcitonin levels suggest your thyroid's C-cells are functioning well and producing appropriate amounts of this calcium-regulating hormone. These levels indicate that your calcium balance system is working effectively to support your bone health and overall wellbeing.
Mildly elevated levels might indicate early changes in C-cell activity and typically prompt your doctor to recommend follow-up testing or additional evaluation to better understand what's causing the increase and determine appropriate next steps. Higher calcitonin levels warrant more comprehensive evaluation by specialists who can perform additional tests and imaging studies to understand the underlying cause and develop the most appropriate management plan for your individual situation.
Understanding Your Results
Reference Ranges:
Male: Less than 11.8 ng/L (normal)
Female: Less than 4.8 ng/L (normal)
Alternative ranges: Less than 10 pg/mL (some laboratories)
Normal calcitonin levels suggest your thyroid's C-cells are functioning well and producing appropriate amounts of this calcium-regulating hormone. These levels indicate that your calcium balance system is working effectively to support your bone health and overall wellbeing.
Mildly elevated levels might indicate early changes in C-cell activity and typically prompt your doctor to recommend follow-up testing or additional evaluation to better understand what's causing the increase and determine appropriate next steps. Higher calcitonin levels warrant more comprehensive evaluation by specialists who can perform additional tests and imaging studies to understand the underlying cause and develop the most appropriate management plan for your individual situation.
Understanding Your Results
Reference Ranges:
Male: Less than 11.8 ng/L (normal)
Female: Less than 4.8 ng/L (normal)
Alternative ranges: Less than 10 pg/mL (some laboratories)
Normal calcitonin levels suggest your thyroid's C-cells are functioning well and producing appropriate amounts of this calcium-regulating hormone. These levels indicate that your calcium balance system is working effectively to support your bone health and overall wellbeing.
Mildly elevated levels might indicate early changes in C-cell activity and typically prompt your doctor to recommend follow-up testing or additional evaluation to better understand what's causing the increase and determine appropriate next steps. Higher calcitonin levels warrant more comprehensive evaluation by specialists who can perform additional tests and imaging studies to understand the underlying cause and develop the most appropriate management plan for your individual situation.
The Takeaway
Calcitonin serves as your thyroid's specialised calcium guardian, providing valuable insights into how well your C-cells are functioning to maintain optimal calcium balance. Normal levels indicate healthy calcium regulation and proper C-cell function, whilst changes in calcitonin production can provide early detection opportunities for specific thyroid conditions.
Regular monitoring when appropriate creates a safety net that identifies changes early when medical intervention can be most effective. Calcitonin testing represents a powerful tool for maintaining health and ensuring your body's calcium regulation system continues supporting your bones, muscles, and overall health effectively.
The Takeaway
Calcitonin serves as your thyroid's specialised calcium guardian, providing valuable insights into how well your C-cells are functioning to maintain optimal calcium balance. Normal levels indicate healthy calcium regulation and proper C-cell function, whilst changes in calcitonin production can provide early detection opportunities for specific thyroid conditions.
Regular monitoring when appropriate creates a safety net that identifies changes early when medical intervention can be most effective. Calcitonin testing represents a powerful tool for maintaining health and ensuring your body's calcium regulation system continues supporting your bones, muscles, and overall health effectively.
The Takeaway
Calcitonin serves as your thyroid's specialised calcium guardian, providing valuable insights into how well your C-cells are functioning to maintain optimal calcium balance. Normal levels indicate healthy calcium regulation and proper C-cell function, whilst changes in calcitonin production can provide early detection opportunities for specific thyroid conditions.
Regular monitoring when appropriate creates a safety net that identifies changes early when medical intervention can be most effective. Calcitonin testing represents a powerful tool for maintaining health and ensuring your body's calcium regulation system continues supporting your bones, muscles, and overall health effectively.
The Takeaway
Calcitonin serves as your thyroid's specialised calcium guardian, providing valuable insights into how well your C-cells are functioning to maintain optimal calcium balance. Normal levels indicate healthy calcium regulation and proper C-cell function, whilst changes in calcitonin production can provide early detection opportunities for specific thyroid conditions.
Regular monitoring when appropriate creates a safety net that identifies changes early when medical intervention can be most effective. Calcitonin testing represents a powerful tool for maintaining health and ensuring your body's calcium regulation system continues supporting your bones, muscles, and overall health effectively.
References
North Bristol NHS Trust. (2024). Calcitonin Laboratory Test Information. NHS Foundation Trust Guidelines.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Testing Guidelines and Indications. NHS Trust Clinical Protocols.
Wells, S. A., et al. (2015). Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid, 25(6), 567-610.
References
North Bristol NHS Trust. (2024). Calcitonin Laboratory Test Information. NHS Foundation Trust Guidelines.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Testing Guidelines and Indications. NHS Trust Clinical Protocols.
Wells, S. A., et al. (2015). Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid, 25(6), 567-610.
References
North Bristol NHS Trust. (2024). Calcitonin Laboratory Test Information. NHS Foundation Trust Guidelines.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Testing Guidelines and Indications. NHS Trust Clinical Protocols.
Wells, S. A., et al. (2015). Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid, 25(6), 567-610.
References
North Bristol NHS Trust. (2024). Calcitonin Laboratory Test Information. NHS Foundation Trust Guidelines.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. (2023). Calcitonin Testing Guidelines and Indications. NHS Trust Clinical Protocols.
Wells, S. A., et al. (2015). Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid, 25(6), 567-610.
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© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd