5 Common Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism
Read about the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that occurs when your parathyroid glands fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
There are four pea-sized glands that are located behind your thyroid, called the parathyroid glands. These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH) which regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your body.
When your body does not produce enough PTH, you may experience hypoparathyroidism. This can also result in low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia go hand in hand. An injury to the parathyroid glands during surgery, such as a neck dissection or a thyroidectomy, typically causes hypoparathyroidism.
Common Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism
- Tingling Sensation
Patients with hypoparathyroidism often report pins and needles in their lips, fingers and toes. The medical term for this tingling sensation is paresthesia.
- Muscle Cramps & Spasms
Cramps in your legs, feet and abdomen, as well as twitching in your facial muscles can also be a symptom of hypoparathyroidism. Normally, calcium helps coordinate muscle contraction and relaxation. However, when there are low levels of calcium throughout the body, this signaling system goes awry and can trigger the above-mentioned cramps and spasms.
- Dry Skin & Fingernails
Just like muscle functioning, healthy skin and fingernails require calcium. But when your body does not produce enough PTH or calcium, skin may become flaky, scaly and itchy.
- Hair Loss
PTH plays a role in the growth of hair follicle cells. Thus, low PTH can cause hair loss or damaged hair health.
- Fatigue
Without adequate amounts of PTH to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your body, the imbalance of these minerals can also cause fatigue.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Hypoparathyroidism can be diagnosed with a physical exam and blood test. Your doctor can help you arrange a blood test to check the levels of PTH, phosphorus, and calcium in your body.
While hypoparathyroidism may sound frightening, it can be managed with vitamin D and calcium supplements. Learning more about its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help put your worries at ease. If you have any of the common symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, speak to your doctor.
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