Hypoparathyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Low levels of calcium are not necessarily the result of Hypocalcemia but can occur due to hypoparathyroidism. This medical condition lowers the level of calcium in the body which can result in symptoms like mild to severe muscle spasms seizures. Hence, while experiencing such symptoms, individuals must visit doctors to diagnose the underlying reasons.

In this piece, we will focus on hypoparathyroidism, its symptoms, causes and every detail regarding this disease. So, let’s start with the definition of hypoparathyroidism!

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What Is Hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that occurs due to the diminished function or absence of parathyroid hormone.

The human body has four pea-sized parathyroid glands that are located in the neck near or behind the thyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone or PTH controls minerals (calcium, phosphorus) in blood level and plays a crucial role in producing the active form of vitamin D. Individuals with low levels of PTH can suffer from low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus in the body.

A healthy body needs all these activities to maintain calcium balance. In addition, now that the meaning of hypoparathyroidism is clear to individuals, let’s focus on other essential information such as risk factors, symptoms, causes and many more.

What Are the Risk Factors of Developing Hypoparathyroidism?

Several factors can increase the chances of developing Hypoparathyroidism. These are as follows,

Neck surgery, especially that involved thyroid gland
Individuals with autoimmune or endocrine conditions (e.g. Addison's disease that lower the production of hormones by adrenal glands)
A family history of Hypoparathyroidism

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism?

As stated earlier, Hypoparathyroidism can cause a low level of calcium which in turn can give rise to several symptoms. These are as follows,

Muscle cramps or spasms in your legs, face, feet, lower back
Tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips
Heart failure
Seizures
An irregular heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Anxiety
Depression
Patchy hair loss
Dry skin
Brittle nails
Fatigue
Painful menstruation

If individuals continue to suffer from a low level of calcium, it will result in certain diseases. These are as follows,

Cataracts
Movement disorders like tremors
Dental problems

If you have recently had neck surgery, you must pay attention to symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consult with your doctor and take the necessary treatment.

What Are the Causes of Hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism can occur due to several reasons. These are as follows,

1. Neck Surgery

It is the most common cause of Hypoparathyroidism. If parathyroid glands are removed during surgery or get damaged accidentally, it can result in such a medical condition. In addition, this disease can occur as an aftereffect of neck cancer, throat cancer, thyroid gland treatment/surgery.

2. Family History

If individuals have hereditary Hypoparathyroidism, they will either be born without a Hypoparathyroid gland or a dysfunctional Hypoparathyroid gland. Some variants of hereditary Hypoparathyroidism are related to insufficiency of hormone-producing glands.

3. Cancer Radiation Treatment on Neck and Face

Individuals who are taking radiation treatment for the face and neck can develop Hypoparathyoridism as the treatment would destroy the parathyroid gland. In addition, radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism can also result in Hypoparathyroidism.

4. Reduced Level of Magnesium in Blood

If individuals have low levels of magnesium, it may affect the parathyroid gland. A human body needs normal levels of magnesium for producing the required level of parathyroid hormone.

5. Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune Disease refers to a medical condition when the immunity system mistakenly attacks the body. If individuals suffer from this disease, it may attack the parathyroid gland, which in turn may stop producing parathyroid hormones.

What Are the Treatments of Hypoparathyroidism?

The treatment of Hypoparathyroidism largely focuses on relieving symptoms of this disease and maintaining the required level of calcium and phosphorus in the body. For this, doctors usually provide the following medications or advice,

Medications

Oral Calcium Carbonate Tablets

This tablet helps to increase calcium levels in the blood. However, individuals must not take this tablet at high doses. Overdose of calcium tablets may cause gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. constipation).

Oral Calcium Carbonate Tablets

This tablet helps to increase calcium levels in the blood. However, individuals must not take this tablet at high doses. Overdose of calcium tablets may cause gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. constipation).

Magnesium Supplements

If individuals with low levels of magnesium suffer from Hypoparathyroidism, doctors may prescribe them magnesium supplements.

Vitamin D Tablets

To help the body absorb calcium and reduce the level of phosphorus, doctors may prescribe patients with Hypoparathyroidism vitamin D tables, especially in the form of calcitriol.

Thiazide Diuretics

If the calcium level lowers after taking required treatments, doctors may recommend Thiazide Diuretics, which will help to reduce calcium loss through urine. Doctors will prescribe such medication after a thorough diagnosis.

Parathyroid Hormone

For patients whose calcium and vitamin D levels cannot be normalised with supplements, doctors prescribe Parathyroid hormone injection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives its approval for a one-time injection each day to treat low calcium levels that result from Hypoparathyroidism. This injection can give rise to bone cancer; therefore, selected patients (who understand the risks of taking this injection) can get this treatment through a restricted program.

Apart from these medications, doctors will advise patients regarding diet or tell them to consult with a dietitian.

Diet

For patients with Hypoparathyroidism, their regular diet must contain the following -

Calcium-rich foods (dairy products, foods with added calcium including orange juice and breakfast cereals, green leafy vegetables, broccoli)
Low-phosphorus foods (avoid carbonated soft drinks, reduce consumption of meats, hard cheeses and whole grains)

Intravenous Infusion

Some patients may need instant treatment to relieve symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism. In such cases, doctors recommend hospitalisation.

There, doctors treat patients and increase calcium levels by intravenous (IV) infusion and providing oral calcium tablets simultaneously. Once patients get discharged from the hospital, they can continue taking calcium and vitamin D tablets as usual.

Monitoring

Monitoring is a part of Hypoparathyroidism treatment. Doctors will check calcium and prosperous levels. The tests may occur weekly or monthly. Later, doctors may prescribe blood tests twice a year.

What Are the Ways to Prevent Hypoparathyroidism?

There are no definite ways to prevent Hypoparathyroidism. Patients who are about to have thyroid or neck surgery must ask doctors regarding the damages (to the parathyroid gland) of such operations. They will check levels of calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and prescribe medication or supplements to normalise it during the procedure (if required).