PHOSPHATE (AS PHOSPHORUS)

PHOSPHATE (AS PHOSPHORUS);

A phosphate in blood test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate is an electrically charged particle that contains the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus works together with the mineral calcium to build strong bones and teeth.

Normally, the kidneys filter and remove excess phosphate from the blood. If phosphate levels in your blood are too high or too low, it can be a sign of kidney disease or other serious disorder.

Though you absorb phosphate in the intestines, it's filtered and removed through your kidneys.

Abnormal phosphate levels  with symptoms such as bone problems, fatigue and weakness  may point to a kidney disorder. Your doctor may also want you to get a phosphate test if they suspect:

• Issues with diabetes
• Hormone imbalances, such as Vitamin D or PTH, a hormone that helps balance calcium and phosphorus in your body
• Malnourishment
• Confirm the start of menopause, or perimenopause. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual periods have stopped and she can't become pregnant anymore. It usually starts when a woman is around 50 years old. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause. It can last for several years. LH testing may be done towards the end of this transition.

Since phosphate works so closely with calcium, doctors also use the test to determine whether your body is getting and using calcium the right way. Issues related to calcium can be a sign of low vitamin D, or they may include:

• Bone problems
• Feeling very tired
• Muscle weakness
• Cramping