Dylan Karcha 

Endocrine Research Assignment: Hypoparathyroidism 

Hypoparathyroidism is the combination of symptoms due to inadequate 

parathyroid hormone production(1). Hypoparathyroidism is the state of decreased 

secretion or activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH)(1) from the parathyroid gland. This 

causes decreased levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) and increased levels of 

phosphorus in the blood (hyperphosphatemia)(1). Symptoms include​ ​muscle cramps or 

spasms in your legs, feet, lower back, or face, tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips, anxiety 

and depression, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures(2). The 

first (and by far most common) cause of inadequate parathyroid hormone production 

(parathyroidism) is the accidental removal of parathyroid glands during thyroid 

surgery(1). Other causes of hypoparathyroidism include autoimmune diseases, Radiation 

therapy to your neck or head, low levels of magnesium, and/or genetic disorders(2). 

 
The parathyroid glands produce and secrete PTH(3) in response to low blood 

calcium levels(3). PTH secretion causes the release of calcium from the bones by 

stimulating osteoclasts, which secrete enzymes that degrade bone and release calcium(3) 

into the blood. PTH also inhibits osteoblasts, the cells involved in bone deposition, thereby 

sparing blood calcium(3). A negative feedback loop regulates the levels of PTH, with rising 

blood calcium levels inhibiting further release of PTH(3). Hypoparathyroidism stops this 

entire process from taking place. Vitamin D and calcium supplements are the primary 

treatments for hypoparathyroidism, regardless of the cause. The majority of patients 

need to take calcium several times per day along with high-dose vitamin D once per day. 

The calcium supplements solve the problem by raising the blood calcium level and the 

vitamin d supplement promotes the absorption of calcium 

 
 
 
References: 
 
(1) James Norman MD, FACS, FACE (March 12, 2018) Hypoparathyroidism. Retrieved 
on April 27, 2018 
ps://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypoparathyroidism/hypoparathy
roidismhtt 
 
(2) Brunilda Nazario, MD​ (September 19,2017) What is Hypothyroidism? Retrieved on 
April 17, 2018 
https://www.webmd.com/women/hypoparathyroidism-rare#1 
 
(3) Lumen Learning (unknown) The Parathyroid Glands. Retrieved on April 17, 2018 
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap2/chapter/the-parathyroid-glan
ds/