National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hypoparathyroidism


Other Names:
Parathyroid, underactivity of; Hypoparathyroidism, idiopathic (subtype)
Categories:
Hypoparathyroidism is is an endocrine disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). Common signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, brittle nails, cataracts, dry hair and skin, muscle cramps, tetany, pain in the face, legs, and feet, seizures, tingling sensation, and weakened tooth enamel (in children). It may be caused by injury to the parathyroid glands (e.g., during surgery). Other causes, include low blood magnesium levels, a side effect of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, metabolic alkalosis, DiGeorge syndrome, and type I polyglandular autoimmune syndrome. The goal of treatment is to restore the calcium and mineral balance in the body.[1]
Last updated: 3/10/2011

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Hypoparathyroidism. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Financial Resources

  • The Assistance Fund provides various services, including education and financial aid, to help patients with a chronic or serious illness cover the cost of FDA-approved medications. Patients must be U.S citizens or permanent residents.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    Hypoparathyroidism
    Hypoparathyroidism in Emergency Medicine
    Pediatric Hypoparathyroidism
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Hypoparathyroidism. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Hypoparathyroidism. MedlinePlus. 2010; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000385.htm. Accessed 3/10/2011.