Author: Dr. Babak Larian

Calcitonin is an amino acid hormone produced and released in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland that helps the body manage metabolism, muscle control, and other essential functions. Calcitonin helps regulate calcium levels in the blood — and appears to work against the parathyroid hormone (PTH). The relationship between calcitonin and PTH is complex, but those who understand this relationship are better equipped to lower their risk of experiencing hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and other medical conditions. Now, let’s examine calcitonin function

Most of us know that vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand. That is because vitamin D aids in the proper absorption of calcium in our bodies. This is the reason why milk is commonly fortified with vitamin D or else the calcium in the milk would not get absorbed by the body. Patients with hyperparathyroidism, high level of calcium in the blood, often find that their vitamin D level is affected as well. Hyperparathyroidism & Vitamin D The high level

The parathyroid glands are four of the lesser-known glands in the human body. With symptoms of parathyroid problems often being misdiagnosed, many people living with a parathyroid problem may not even know it! Babak Larian, MD, FACS, Director of the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery, is here to help you understand the parathyroid glands and the warning signs of a problem. Symptoms of a Parathyroid Problem The parathyroid glands control your body’s calcium level, and while the symptoms of a

Did you know that the term “ectopic” simply means “in an abnormal position”? By definition, ectopic parathyroid glands are parathyroid glands that are not located in the standard position in the body. Babak Larian, MD, FACS, parathyroid expert in Los Angeles, sees patients with ectopic parathyroid glands fairly regularly, with the condition being present in about 15-20% of the population. The Parathyroid Glands The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormones that regulate and maintain the body’s calcium levels. These four tiny glands

Though it’s been known for quite some time that hyperparathyroidism affects woman at a 3:1 ratio, new studies suggest that the group at the highest risk of developing the condition is African American woman over the age of 50. In a new study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the effects of hyperparathyroidism on different races were analyzed. Director of the CENTER forAdvanced Parathyroid Surgery Babak Larian, MD, FACS, believes the new research is not only helpful, but