Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands in the neck don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

Everyone has four parathyroid glands located near or behind the thyroid gland. Each gland is the size of a grain of rice.

The main function of PTH is to regulate the calcium level in your body. It also controls phosphorus levels and plays a role in the production of the active form of vitamin D. All of these activities are necessary to maintain calcium balance.

Too little PTH causes low calcium and high phosphorus in the body. It may not lead to serious health issues when caught early, but it needs lifelong monitoring and treatment.

The causes of hypoparathyroidism include:

  • injury to or removal of the parathyroid glands
  • DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the development of certain body systems
  • genetics (a family history of the condition)
  • autoimmune disease
  • cancer radiation treatments
  • low magnesium levels

Low calcium levels cause many of this condition’s symptoms. These can include:

  • muscle aches or cramps
  • tingling, burning, or numbness in the fingertips, toes, and lips
  • muscle spasms, especially around the mouth
  • patchy hair loss
  • dry skin
  • brittle nails
  • fatigue
  • anxiety or depression
  • painful menstruation
  • seizures

Children with hypoparathyroidism may also experience headaches, vomiting, or dental issues such as weakened tooth enamel or problems with tooth development.

Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history. They’ll then perform a physical examination to check for symptoms such as dry skin, muscle spasms, and hair loss.

Your doctor will order blood tests to check the levels of the following in your blood:

  • calcium
  • phosphorus
  • magnesium
  • PTH

Additional tests may include the following:

  • Urine test: Your doctor may test your urine to determine if excess calcium levels are secreted in it.
  • EKG: An EKG measures the electrical activity in your heart. This information can tell your doctor if you have an atypical heart rhythm, which can occur due to a calcium deficiency.
  • Other testing: X-rays and bone density tests can help your doctor determine if low calcium levels have affected your bones.

Doctors will also check for atypical tooth development and delayed milestones to diagnose this condition in children.

There are several treatment options for hyperparathyroidism that aim to help restore the proper levels of calcium and minerals in your body.

Initial treatment involves taking calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements in pill form. Vitamin D is given because it helps the body absorb calcium and eliminate phosphorus.

Your doctor will determine the amount of calcium and vitamin D you need. They’ll monitor the following levels periodically to ensure they’re within the typical range:

  • calcium
  • phosphorus
  • magnesium
  • PTH

Your doctor may suggest taking supplements throughout the day to help stabilize your calcium level. Most individuals need to take supplements to treat this condition for the rest of their lives.

If your calcium levels are life threatening or you have troubling muscle spasms, intravenous (IV) calcium will be given. This relieves your symptoms more quickly because the calcium goes directly into your bloodstream.

Your doctor may also order diuretics to help decrease the amount of calcium secreted in your urine.

If you have hypoparathyroidism, your diet should be rich in calcium and low in phosphorus. Drinking around 8 glasses of water daily may also help ensure your body doesn’t lose the necessary nutrients.

Calcium-rich foods include:

  • fortified orange juice
  • fortified breakfast cereals
  • tofu
  • dark green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, and turnip greens
  • chia seeds

Foods high in phosphorus may affect calcium levels and should be avoided. These include:

  • dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
  • seafood, like salmon and scallops
  • meat and poultry
  • beans
  • lentils
  • rice
  • nuts
  • oatmeal
  • soft drinks

Always discuss dietary changes and supplements with your doctor to ensure you get the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications from hypoparathyroidism. However, complications due to low calcium levels may still occur and can include:

  • chronic kidney disease
  • kidney stones
  • cataracts
  • heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
  • tetany, or prolonged cramp-like spasms in the hands and fingers
  • paresthesia, or a tingling sensation in the lips, tongue, fingers, or feet
  • malformed teeth

Your doctor will monitor calcium and phosphorus levels with regular blood tests, which will be done every few weeks after diagnosis to establish proper treatment.

Once your condition stabilizes following treatment, your blood will be tested every 3 to 6 months. If your calcium or phosphorus levels change, your doctor will adjust the dosage of supplemental calcium accordingly.

Because hypoparathyroidism is a chronic condition, you’ll need to maintain treatments and dietary changes throughout your life. Still, most people can keep their symptoms under control with proper long-term treatment.

Hypoparathyroidism is a chronic condition caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to imbalances in calcium and phosphorus in the body. It can result from surgery, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, or low magnesium.

Managing hypoparathyroidism involves calcium and vitamin D supplements, routine monitoring, and dietary adjustments to prevent health complications.