Problems with kidney function, such as kidney stones and kidney failure.Tingling or burning sensations, or a pins and needles feeling, in the lips, tongue, fingers and toes.When these spasms occur in the throat, they can interfere with breathing, creating a possible emergency. Muscle pain and twitches or spasms of the muscles of the face, throat or arms.Cramplike spasms of the hands and fingers that can be prolonged and painful.Reversible complicationsĬomplications due to low calcium levels that may improve with treatment include: Hypoparathyroidism can result in both reversible and irreversible complications. Having certain autoimmune or endocrine conditions, such as Addison's disease - which causes a decrease in the hormones the adrenal glands produce.Recent neck surgery, particularly if the thyroid was involved.In rare cases, radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism may lead to hypoparathyroidism.įactors that can increase the risk of developing hypoparathyroidism include: Radiation can result in destruction of the parathyroid glands. Extensive cancer radiation treatment of the face or neck.Normal magnesium levels are required for normal production of parathyroid hormone. Low magnesium levels can affect the function of the parathyroid glands. Some types of hereditary hypoparathyroidism are associated with deficiencies of other hormone-producing glands. This form can result from either being born without parathyroid glands or with glands that don't work properly. In the process, the parathyroid glands stop producing their hormone. In some cases, the immune system attacks parathyroid tissues as if they were foreign bodies. Neck surgery may be done to treat conditions of the thyroid gland, or to treat throat or neck cancer. It develops after accidental damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery. This is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism. Phosphorus also helps the muscles, nerves, heart and kidneys function.Ĭauses of hypoparathyroidism can include: Phosphorus is needed to help the body create energy from food. This mineral is found in all cells, but mostly in the bones.
Calcium is also needed for muscle function, to help the nerves and brain work properly, and to control heart rhythm and blood pressure. This mineral is stored in bones and teeth and makes them hard. Parathyroid hormone controls the levels of calcium and phosphorus, so too little parathyroid hormone causes abnormal levels of: There are four small parathyroid glands in the neck behind the thyroid gland. Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands don't produce enough parathyroid hormone. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes