# Hypoparathyroidism --- **Hypoparathyroidism** is an abnormally low amount of [[parathyroid hormone]] (PTH), which primarily regulates the levels of serum [[calcium]], which is an important electrolyte. PTH triggers the release of calcium from the bones, so low PTH means the bones retain too much calcium and leads to [[hypocalcemia]]. ## Causes The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is the the total or near-total removal of the [[thyroid]]. It can also be caused by an abnormal development of the [[thyroid|parathyroid]] or a [[vitamin D]] deficiency. ## Signs & Symptoms - [[hypocalcemia]] - tetany/muscle hypertonia/cramps - could have numbness, cramps - Positive Chvostek's sign and positive Trousseau sign - [[hyperphosphatemia]] - as calcium levels rise in the blood, so too does phosphate. ## Treatment The goal of hypoparathyroidism is to increase the serum calcium levels to a normal range, and is usually done by treating the underlying cause: - If it's [[vitamin D]] related they might give: - Calcitriol (Vitamin D3)- PO or IV - Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)- PO - common side effect: dyspnea - Encourage a diet high in [[calcium]] and vitamin D - If it's thyroidectomy related they might give: - IV calcium gluconate - encourage getting foods high in calcium (but low in phosphate!) ___