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