Hypoparathyroidism is the state of decreased activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) which leads to extremely low levels of calcium in the blood giving rise to a variety of symptoms.
What causes Hypoparathyroidism?
- Deficient Secretion of parathyroid hormone: This is the cause in 99% of the cases. This happens when the thyroid and parathyroid are removed by surgery.
- Inability to produce parathyroid hormone: This cause may be genetic, where the person is born without the parathyroid gland, or it may be acquired.
In the acquired cause, there may be a foreign body reaction to the tissues of the parathyroid by the body’s immune system. In rare cases, chronic alcoholism leads to low levels of magnesium in the body which affects the calcium levels in the same way too.
What are the Signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms are due to low calcium levels in the blood due to which one may experience:
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
- Muscle cramps, twitching of muscles
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Abdominal cramps
- Irregularities of heart beat
- Seizures.
How is it treated?
- Calcium is the drug of choice. In life-threatening situations, it is given intravenously as calcium gluconate.
- Long term management is with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
