Parathormone is vital for balancing calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. A deficiency of this hormone negatively affects many functions of the body by causing calcium levels to decrease and phosphorus levels to increase.
What Is Hypoparathyroidism?
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder that occurs as a result of the parathyroid glands being unable to produce sufficient amounts of parathormone. The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland, and the parathormone produced by these glands helps balance calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream in the body.
Calcium is necessary for many vital processes such as bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signals, and heart functions. Parathormone deficiency can lead to serious health problems by causing problems in calcium absorption. Phosphorus plays an important role in cellular energy metabolism and bone structure. However, in the case of parathormone deficiency, phosphorus levels increase, which can lead to metabolic imbalances.
Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder that can manifest with various symptoms, and these symptoms usually occur as a result of low calcium levels. Among the most common symptoms are a tingling or burning sensation in the hands, feet, and lips. In addition, pain and cramps may be seen especially in the leg, foot, abdominal, and facial muscles. Twitching or spasms in the hands, arms, and throat are also frequently encountered symptoms.
Problems affecting skin and nail health, such as hair loss, dry and coarse skin, and brittle nails, are also common in hypoparathyroidism. In addition, symptoms affecting general health and mood, such as fatigue, weakness, depression, or anxiety, may also be seen.
These symptoms may become more severe in cases where calcium levels are very low. If such symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor and evaluate the situation by having blood tests.
Causes of Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism can result from various causes, and some of these causes are quite common. The most common cause of the disease is damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgeries or during the treatment of cancers in the neck area. Such surgical interventions can cause the parathyroid glands to be damaged or removed completely.
Autoimmune diseases can also cause hypoparathyroidism. In this case, the body’s immune system perceives the parathyroid glands as a foreign substance and destroys them. In some individuals, genetic factors play a role; the parathyroid glands may be congenitally absent or may not function properly.
Low magnesium levels can also lead to hypoparathyroidism by affecting parathormone production. In cases of magnesium deficiency, the parathyroid glands cannot work actively enough. In addition, intensive radiation therapy applied to the neck or face area can also damage the parathyroid glands and cause the development of this disease.
Among these causes, surgical interventions are the most common. Especially individuals who have undergone thyroid surgery are recommended to be careful about the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism and to have regular check-ups.
Hypoparathyroidism Treatment
The main goal of hypoparathyroidism treatment is to relieve symptoms and return calcium and phosphorus levels to normal. Treatment is planned in a personalized manner depending on the severity of the disease and the patient’s general health status. Commonly applied methods in treatment are as follows:
Calcium Supplements: The most commonly used treatment method in hypoparathyroidism is oral calcium carbonate tablets. These supplements play a fundamental role in raising low blood calcium levels. Calcium levels should be measured regularly and the supplement dose should be adjusted accordingly.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium better from the intestines. Generally, its active form calcitriol or other vitamin D derivatives are used. This supplement significantly helps eliminate calcium deficiency.
Magnesium Supplements: Magnesium is vital for parathormone production and calcium metabolism. Since low magnesium levels negatively affect parathormone secretion, magnesium supplements may be prescribed to eliminate this deficiency.
Diuretics: Thiazide-type diuretics can be used to increase excessive phosphorus excretion through urine and thus reduce phosphorus levels. These medications can also help stabilize calcium levels.
Intravenous Calcium Infusion: In emergencies, intravenous (in-vein) calcium treatment is applied in cases where the blood calcium level is very low. This method is generally used in cases where hypocalcemia symptoms are severe and require urgent intervention.
During the treatment process, it is extremely important for patients to regularly visit doctor check-ups and for blood calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels to be closely monitored. In addition, using medications at the doses recommended by the doctor and working with a dietitian to create a calcium-rich diet plan also supports treatment. Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and regular exercise can also create positive effects during the treatment process.
