What is Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that means you do not make enough of a certain type of hormone (parathyroid hormone, or PTH). PTH is made by the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located next to the thyroid gland in your neck.

PTH balances the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in your body. If you do not have enough PTH, the calcium levels become too low and the phosphorus levels get too high.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by:

• Removal of or injury to your parathyroid glands as a result of neck or head surgery.
• DiGeorge syndrome, which can result in the underdevelopment or lack of parathyroid glands. This is a genetic condition.
• Autoimmune disease. This is when your body attacks and destroys the parathyroid tissue.
• High levels of cancer radiation treatment to your neck area.
• Low magnesium levels.
• A reaction to radioactive iodine treatment. This is rare.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Tingling feeling in the fingertips, toes, and lips.
• Twitching spasms in the mouth, hands, arms, or throat.
• Pain in the abdomen.
• Muscle aches and cramps.
• Tiredness or weakness.
• Painful menstrual periods.
• Vision problems, including cataracts.
• Hair loss.
• Dry hair or skin.
• Brittle nails.
• Headaches.
• Anxiety.
• Depression and mood changes.
• Trouble remembering things.
• Seizures.
• Breathing problems.
• Problems with the teeth, including weak tooth enamel and teeth that grow slowly or not at all.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Other tests, including:
  • Blood tests.
  • Urine tests.
  • X-ray exams or bone density exams to check the health of your bones.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to see how your heart is working.
  • CT scan to look for calcium deposits.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with:

• Supplements, including calcium and vitamin D.
• Dietary changes, including:
  • Adding more calcium, including dairy products, green vegetables, fortified cereals, and juices.
  • Decreasing the amount of phosphorus-rich foods and drinks, such as meats and soda.
• 15–20 minutes of sun exposure, 2 times a week.
• IV infusion of calcium, in severe cases. This requires hospitalization.
• PTH injections.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about dietary changes.
• Visit a nutritionist or health care provider to discuss your dietary needs.
• Get plenty of fiber and water to avoid constipation from calcium supplements.
• Take supplements only as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
  • Your health care provider will need to do tests regularly and adjust your treatment as needed.
  • Your health care provider will need to do regular monitoring of your calcium and phosphorus levels. Your blood tests will be frequent at first, then eventually go down to a few visits per year.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
• You have vomiting, nausea, constipation, low energy, confusion, and muscle weakness.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You become extremely thirsty, and this does not go away after you drink water.
• You have severe pain in your abdomen.

Summary

• Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition.
• If your body does not make enough parathyroid hormone (pth), the calcium levels in your blood and bones become too low and the phosphorus levels get too high.
• Treatment may include supplements, dietary changes, sun exposure, infusion of calcium, and injections of PTH.