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Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands: Posterior (Back) View  
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Definition  

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands. They are located next to the thyroid gland in the neck. The glands secrete the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps to regulate the level of calcium in the blood.

In hypoparathyroidism there is not enough PTH secreted. This causes very low levels of calcium in the blood. Low blood calcium is known as hypocalcemia.

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Causes  

Several factors are known to cause hypoparathyroidism, including:

  • Absence of the parathyroid glands at birth
  • Damage to the parathyroid glands by radiation
  • Removal of the parathyroid glands
  • Underlying autoimmune disorders
  • Genetics
  • DiGeorge syndrome
  • Magnesium deficiency (due to alcoholism , malnutrition)
  • Autoimmune: polyglandular autoimmunity type 2 or autoimmune hypoparathyroidism
  • Other causes: metal (iron, magnesium, aluminium) overload, cancer
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Risk Factors  

The following factors increase your chance of developing hypoparathyroidism:

  • Thyroid or parathyroid surgery
  • Family history of hypoparathyroidism
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Symptoms  

Many patients with hypoparathyroidism will have not symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they may include:

  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Pain
  • Difficulty with walking
  • Tingling around the mouth, fingers, and toes
  • Excessive nervousness
  • Loss of memory
  • Personality change or mood swings ( anxiety )
  • Blurred vision due to cataracts
  • Thin, brittle nails
  • Dry and scaly skin
  • Seizures
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Diagnosis  

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to specialist. Endocrinologists focus on hormone disorders.

Your doctor may need to test your bodily fluids. This can be done with:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine test

Your doctor may need pictures of your body structures. This can be done with:

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Treatment  

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation  

Calcium and vitamin D will usually be taken indefinitely. They are often taken by mouth.

Calcium may be given by injection. This is done when immediate symptom relief is needed.

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Prevention  

There are no guidelines for preventing this condition.