Hypoparathyroidism
What is hypoparathyroidism?
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn't make enough
parathyroid hormone (PTH).
This hormone regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your body's
bones and blood. Decreased levels of PTH lead to low levels of calcium and high
levels of phosphorus in the blood. This imbalance can lead to problems with
bones, muscles, skin, and nerve endings.
What causes hypoparathyroidism?
The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is injury to the parathyroid
glands, such as during head and neck surgery. Parathyroid glands are small
endocrine glands that are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland.
It other cases, hypoparathyroidism is present at birth or may be associated
with an autoimmune disease that affects the parathyroids along with other glands
in the body, such as the thyroid, ovaries, or adrenal glands.
Hypoparathyroidism is very rare. It is different from hyperparathyroidism, a
much more common condition in which the body makes too much PTH.
What are the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?
Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism may include:
- Tingling in the lips, fingers, and toes
- Dry hair, brittle nails, and dry, coarse skin
- Muscle cramps and pain in the face, hands, legs, and feet
- Cataracts on the eyes
- Malformations of the teeth, including weakened tooth enamel and
misshapen roots of the teeth
- Loss of memory
- Headaches
- Severe muscle spasms (also called tetany) and convulsions
How is hypoparathyroidism treated?
The goal of treatment for hypoparathyroidism is to restore the body's calcium
and phosphorus to normal levels. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are
the only currently approved treatment. However, NIH studies have shown the
investigational drug PTH to work well as an alternative therapy.
If hypoparathyroidism is diagnosed and treated early, outcomes are usual good
and the body grows normally.
If hypoparathyroidism is left untreated, complications can include a blocked
airway due to severe muscle spasms, stunted growth, malformed teeth, development
of cataracts, and calcium deposits in the brain.
SOURCE: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development
Last Editorial Review: 9/24/2008
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