parathyroid hormone

Definition of parathyroid hormone

parathyroid hormone

(PAYR-uh-THY-royd HOR-mone)
A substance made by the parathyroid gland that helps the body store and use calcium. A higher-than-normal amount of parathyroid hormone causes high levels of calcium in the blood and may be a sign of disease. Also called parathormone, parathyrin, and PTH.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms