---
title: "What does a low PTH, Intact mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/pth-intact/low"
biomarker: PTH, Intact
direction: low
reference_range:
  - "age 18+: 15.0 – 65.0 pg/mL"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# What does a low PTH, Intact mean?

> Low PTH with a high calcium means the glands are correctly suppressed and the calcium is coming from elsewhere — excess vitamin D, certain cancers, granulomatous disease, or medications — which makes it a finding to act on. Low PTH with a low calcium is hypoparathyroidism, most often after thyroid or neck surgery, or autoimmune. Low magnesium can also suppress PTH.


## When does this result need same-day care?

- Low PTH with a calcium above ~13 mg/dL, or with confusion or severe dehydration — same-day care

## What is the normal range for PTH, Intact?

- age 18+: 15.0 – 65.0 pg/mL

Can reflect parathyroid issues or high calcium from another source.

## What are the common causes of low PTH, Intact?

1. Non-parathyroid hypercalcemia: vitamin D excess, cancer-related, sarcoidosis, thiazides, milk-alkali
2. Hypoparathyroidism after thyroid/parathyroid surgery; autoimmune; genetic
3. Severe magnesium deficiency
4. Recent large calcium intake (transient)

## What symptoms go with low PTH, Intact?

- High calcium: thirst, urination, constipation, confusion
- Low calcium: tingling, cramps, muscle spasms

## What do clinicians usually check next?

- Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
- Kidney function; PTHrP and further evaluation if calcium is high with no vitamin D excess
- Prompt clinical follow-up — low PTH with high calcium is not a wait-and-see pattern

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [Magnesium](https://www.test-well.com/tests/magnesium) ($19.99), [Calcium](https://www.test-well.com/tests/calcium) ($26.99), [Phosphorus](https://www.test-well.com/tests/phosphorus-test) ($18.99).

## How do you recheck PTH, Intact?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Total Body Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/total-body-panel) | Panel (49 tests) | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| [PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/parathyroid-hormone-test) | Test | $59.99 | No | 2–4 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### Is low PTH ever normal?

Yes when calcium is high from another source — the glands are doing their job by switching off. The work-up then focuses on that other source.

## Related

- [What does a high PTH, Intact mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/pth-intact/high)
- [PTH, Intact reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/pth-intact)
- [Total Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [SHBG reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8837)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/pth-intact/low
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.