Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)

Overview

Damage to the parathyroid glands during neck surgery is the most common cause.

Low calcium causes tingling and cramps, and severe lows can cause seizures.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tingling around mouth
• Muscle cramp or charley horse

Less common

• Muscle cramps

Look up a symptom: Muscle cramp or charley horse · Numb or tingling fingers · Numbness or electric feelings in the body

When to get medical care

Causes

Neck surgery.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Calcium test:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take calcium and vitamin D exactly as prescribed
• Keep regular blood tests

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Careful neck surgery

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

• Take thyroid pills the same way every day, often on an empty stomach.
• Get blood tests as advised.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Thyroid Association: Patient guides and support group finder.
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People after thyroid surgery: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Well controlled with treatment.

Calcium keeps most well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• How often should my calcium be checked?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Underactive parathyroid (hypoparathyroidism)