Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that happens when there is not enough of a certain type of hormone in the body. This hormone is called parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone is made by the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands on or near the thyroid gland in the neck. This condition causes the calcium levels in your body to become too low and the phosphorus levels in your body to get too high.

What are the causes?

• Autoimmune disease. This is when your body attacks and destroys the parathyroid tissue.
• A genetic condition that can cause the parathyroid glands to be underdeveloped or missing. This is a condition that people are born with.
• Damage to the parathyroid glands after radiation treatment for cancer or other conditions.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• Numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, or around the mouth.
• Muscle twitching, aches, or cramps, especially in the legs, feet, and back.
• Fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
• Memory problems, confusion, or trouble thinking.
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, or changes in personality.
• Seizures.

Some people may not have any symptoms, especially if the calcium level in their blood is still close to normal.

How is this diagnosed?

• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• X-rays 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 in your body.

How is this treated?

• Supplements, including calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium.
• Changes in your diet, including:
  • Adding more foods and drinks with calcium in them, such as dairy products, green vegetables, and fortified cereals and juices.
  • Consuming fewer foods and drinks with a lot of phosphorus in them, such as meats and soda.
  • Eating fewer foods with a lot of salt (sodium) in them, such as canned foods, cured or processed meats, and pre-made or frozen meals.
• PTH injections.
• Medicines that help the body get rid of excess fluid through urination (diuretics).
• IV infusion of calcium. This is done in a hospital and only in severe cases.

Your health care provider will need to do regular monitoring of your calcium and phosphorus levels. You may need frequent blood tests at first, then eventually a few blood tests each year.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Visit a diet and nutrition expert (dietitian)or health care provider to talk about your diet.
• Take supplements only as told by your health care provider.

Constipation prevention

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
• Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits. Your health care provider will need to do tests regularly and adjust your treatment as needed.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You develop any new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have severe pain in your abdomen.
• You have chest pain.
• You have fast or irregular heartbeats that do not go away.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition. The most common cause of this condition is damage to the parathyroid glands during neck surgery.
• This condition causes the calcium levels in your body to become too low and the phosphorus levels in your body to get too high.
• Treatment may include supplements, changes in diet, and injections of PTH.
• Visit a diet and nutrition expert or health care provider to talk about your diet.