Treatment Options for Hypoparathyroidism: Medications and Therapies

Hypoparathyroidism is otherwise known as parathyroid hormone deficiency, which can lead to hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood), hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood), and increased neuromuscular irritability. Hypocalcemia can affect bone health in individuals and can cause the weakening of the bone. This condition can be treated by oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation to the patient. In this article, we are going to discuss hypoparathyroidism and its treatment options in detail.

Symptoms Of Hypoparathyroidism

• Tingling sensation (fingertips, toes and lips)

• Twitching of facial muscles

• Muscle pains 

• Tiredness

• Mood changes

• Dry and rough skin

• Brittle fingernails

• Hair fall

Causes Of Hypothyroidism

• Parathyroid gland injury during surgery

• Autoimmune disorder (Addison and pernicious anemia)

• DiGeorge syndrome (underdeveloped parathyroid glands)

• Throat or neck radiotherapy 

• Low blood magnesium levels

Treatment Options For Hypoparathyroidism

Hypothyroidism treatment helps to relieve the symptoms, increase the calcium level, and regulate other minerals in your blood. Some of the treatment options are given below:

• Oral calcium supplements: Supplements can increase calcium levels in your blood and help to bring it to the normal level (8.5 to 10.5 mg/dl). However, maintaining an optimum dosage is essential in calcium supplements. 

• Vitamin D supplement: It is mainly used in  maintaining calcium homeostasis, which is available as calcitriol and can be given to hypoparathyroid patients in oral ingestion as capsules or liquid syrup and intravenous injection. It helps in calcium and phosphate regulation, maintaining bone health and kidney function. These combined actions make this medication indispensable in treating conditions like hypoparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and vitamin D deficiency, contributing to overall skeletal integrity and mineral homeostasis.

• Magnesium supplements: Severe hypomagnesemia (low level of magnesium in the blood) leads to hypoparathyroidism due to impaired parathyroid hormone secretion in the individuals. Magnesium supplements play a vital role in overcoming hypoparathyroidism, which is associated with the magnesium level.

• Thiazide diuretics. If your calcium levels remain low even after the treatment, or if the amount of calcium in your urine is very high, thiazide diuretics can help to lower the amount of calcium lost through your urine.

• Parathyroid hormone replacement. Parathyroid hormone is a synthetic form of parathyroid hormone which helps to replace or increase the levels of PTH in the body. It helps to control the distribution of phosphate and calcium in the body. 

Side Effects Of Hyperparathyroidism Treatment

• Increased thirst and urination

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Constipation

• Muscle weakness

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Diarrhea

• Electrolyte disturbances,

• Hyperuricemia

• Fever,

• Hypersensitivity reaction,

• Cholestasis,

• Dermatitis,

• Vasculitis.

Diet For Hyperparathyroidism

Eating a proper diet is also helpful in mitigating the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism.

Your healthcare provider or dietitian can recommend an ideal diet for hyperparathyroidism. Some of the diets are given below:

1. Eating calcium-rich foods such as beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables can help to compensate for the calcium deficiency during hypothyroidism.

2. Hypoparathyroidism patients need to limit their foods, which are high in phosphorus. Foods like red meat are rich in phosphorus, which will worsen the hyperphosphatemia condition.

Follow ups!

• Hypoparathyroidism patients need to be regularly monitored to detect the levels of  calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in their bodies.  

• Regular follow-up visits and ongoing monitoring are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to address any emerging issues related to bone health and mineral balance.

• Individuals are recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and practicing weight-bearing exercises to support their bone health.

Endnotes!

Hypoparathyroidism is a crucial health disorder in which a patient needs extra care, including medicine and diet. Proper maintenance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels is essential in treating hypoparathyroidism; it can be achieved through medicines and supplements. Patients are advised to engage with their doctor to get personalized treatment to overcome Hypoparathyroidism.