Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone. This can be due to parathyroid glands that do not function or the absence of parathyroid glands. It is rare to have parathyroid glands that do not function. The most common cause of hyperparathyroidism is surgical removal of the glands.

Why are the parathyroid glands removed in surgery? There is a condition called hyperparathyroidism in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, causing an excessively high calcium blood level. The only cure for this condition is removal of the affected gland or glands. There are usually 4 parathyroid glands (although some people are born with more or fewer glands). If only one is abnormal, it will be removed and the other glands will produce sufficient parathyroid hormone. However, if 3 or 4 of the glands have to be removed, hypoparathyroidism will likely result.

The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, very close or attached to the thyroid gland. During thyroid surgery or surgery on other tissues of the neck, it is possible that one or more of the parathyroid glands will be removed or that the blood supply to the parathyroid gland will be damaged. A thyroid surgeon takes precautions to minimize these risks. During thyroid surgery, the parathyroid hormone level is measured following removal of the thyroid gland to ensure that the levels are sufficient. Dr. Michael Friedman performs this test during every surgery where the entire thyroid gland will be removed. He also locates each parathyroid gland after removal of the thyroid to check the blood supply and ensure that no parathyroid gland has been removed.

Following thyroid or parathyroid surgery, the doctor will order a serum calcium test to be done daily or even multiple times each day to measure the calcium blood level. An ionized calcium blood test is another test that may be ordered and measures the amount of free (active) calcium in the blood. This allows the doctor to catch any problem early and provide treatment to prevent the complications that result from low calcium blood level. You should also tell your doctor if you experience numbness or tingling in the fingertips or around the mouth, muscle spasms, or muscle cramps. These are all symptoms of low calcium blood level.

Hypoparathyroidism is treated by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements by mouth.