Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Prashant Manohar Gaikwad , Endocrinologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Parathyroid hormone deficiency is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of the hormone that helps regulate blood calcium levels. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle function. A deficiency of parathyroid hormone can lead to calcium imbalances, which can significantly impact overall health and well-being.

What are the Types of Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency?

Parathyroid hormone deficiency can occur because the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH or because the body's tissues do not respond normally to the hormone. Identifying the specific type helps doctors determine the appropriate treatment and monitoring plan.

Hypoparathyroidism: A condition where the body produces insufficient parathyroid hormone, leading to low calcium levels in the blood.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism: A disorder where the body's tissues are resistant to parathyroid hormone, resulting in abnormal calcium and phosphorus levels.
Autoimmune Hypoparathyroidism: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the parathyroid glands, impairing hormone production.
Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism: Occurs after surgical removal of or damage to the parathyroid glands, causing a decrease in parathyroid hormone levels.
Genetic Hypoparathyroidism: Inherited disorders that affect the development or function of the parathyroid glands, leading to decreased production of parathyroid hormone.

What are the Symptoms of Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency?

Parathyroid hormone deficiency can cause low calcium levels, which may affect the muscles, nerves, bones, and other body systems. The symptoms can vary depending on how low the calcium level is and how quickly it develops.

Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Bone pain
Increased risk of fractures
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Memory problems
Depression
Difficulty concentrating

What are the Causes of Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency, also known as hypoparathyroidism, occurs when the parathyroid glands produce insufficient amounts of PTH. This hormone plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia and related complications.

Surgical removal or damage: Most commonly occurs after thyroid or neck surgery, affecting the parathyroid glands
Genetic disorders: Congenital conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome affecting gland development
Autoimmune diseases: The immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the parathyroid glands
Radiation therapy: Exposure to radiation in the neck region can impair gland function
Magnesium deficiency: Low magnesium levels can interfere with PTH secretion and action
Medications: Certain drugs may affect parathyroid hormone production or calcium metabolism

Identifying the underlying cause of parathyroid hormone deficiency is essential for effective treatment and long-term management of calcium balance.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult an endocrinologist if you experience symptoms related to low calcium levels, as early treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Persistent muscle weakness, cramps, or fatigue
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or face
Bone pain or frequent fractures

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe muscle spasms or seizures
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Sudden confusion or abnormal heart rhythms

These could indicate serious complications related to Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency and require urgent care.

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How Is Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of parathyroid hormone deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations to assess calcium metabolism and parathyroid function. Doctors generally look for low calcium and inappropriately low or normal PTH levels while also assessing related mineral and vitamin levels.

Blood tests: Measurement of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
Vitamin D levels: To evaluate its role in calcium absorption
Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scan may be used when an underlying structural problem needs evaluation
Bone density scan (DEXA): To evaluate bone health and detect complications such as osteoporosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG): May be used to detect cardiac effects of low calcium levels

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of symptoms related to hypocalcemia.

What are the Treatment Options for Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency?

Parathyroid hormone deficiency is generally managed with calcium and active vitamin D treatment, along with regular monitoring of mineral levels. The treatment plan depends on the severity of hypocalcemia, the underlying cause, and the individual's response to therapy.

Parathyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy: In selected patients, parathyroid hormone replacement may be considered to help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Used to maintain adequate calcium levels and support bone health. Active forms of vitamin D may be prescribed to improve calcium absorption.
Dietary Changes: Increasing intake of calcium-rich foods and maintaining adequate vitamin D intake may support overall bone health and mineral balance.
Regular Monitoring: Periodic blood and urine tests may be performed to monitor calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and kidney function and adjust treatment as needed.
Treatment of the Underlying Cause: Correcting magnesium deficiency or addressing contributing medications and medical conditions may help improve calcium regulation.

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What are the Risk Factors of Parathyroid Hormone Deficiency?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency, or hypoparathyroidism, can occur due to various genetic, autoimmune, and acquired factors. Identifying these risk factors helps with early detection and prevention of complications related to calcium imbalance.

Genetic factors: Inherited conditions affecting parathyroid gland development or function
Autoimmune disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks the parathyroid glands
Surgery or injury: Thyroid or neck surgery that damages or removes the parathyroid glands
Radiation therapy: Exposure to radiation in the head or neck region
Certain medications: Drugs that interfere with calcium regulation or parathyroid hormone secretion
Magnesium imbalance: Low magnesium levels affect PTH secretion

Understanding these risk factors is essential for monitoring individuals at higher risk and preventing long-term complications.