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Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body and is involved in the process of bone building.

Calcitonin levels in the blood drop after a person has his or her thyroid gland removed. But medicine is not needed to replace this lost hormone.

Calcitonin sometimes is used as treatment to relieve pain from spinal fractures related to osteoporosis. It is not known how calcitonin decreases pain.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.