Hypoparathyroidism
Overview
Hypoparathyroidism (sometime called "hypopara") is a rare condition where small glands in your neck (parathyroid glands) do not work properly. It can lead to problems with your bones, muscles and nerves, but can usually be treated by taking supplements.
Symptoms
Hypoparathyroidism often starts if glands in your neck are damaged during surgery. Symptoms include: a tingling or burning sensation in your fingers, toes and facemuscle pain, stiffness and spasmstummy painbrittle nails, dry hair and dry skincataracts (cloudy patches that form at the front of your eyes) Less common and more serious symptoms include: confusionan irregular heartbeatseizures (fits)
Causes
Hypoparathyroidism happens when small glands in your neck (parathyroid glands) do not work properly. These glands help control the level of calcium in your body. If they're not working properly, your calcium level may become too low. Calcium is a mineral that the body needs to keep bones, muscles and nerves working properly. Most of the time hypoparathyroidism is caused by the parathyroid glands being damaged during surgery to the neck or head. Types of surgery that carry this risk of damage include surgery for anunderactive thyroidoroveractive thyroid, and surgery forhead or neck cancer. Other causes of hypoparathyroidism include: conditions where the body's immune system damages healthy tissue, such asAddison's diseasesome rare genetic conditions
Treatment
Hypoparathyroidism can be treated by taking: calcium supplements – to raise the level of calcium in your bodyvitamin D supplements – vitamin D helps your body make better use of calcium You'll usually need to take supplements for the rest of your life. You may be offered supplements even if you do not have any symptoms, but tests show damage to your parathyroid glands. This helps lower the risk of any serious problems. You may also be advised to make some changes to your diet, such as: eating foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soy and tofuavoiding or cutting down on red meat and starchy foods, like pasta and white bread You'll need regular blood tests to check your calcium levels. If these tests show supplements are not working well, then you may need extra medicines.