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About Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder of calcium metabolism.1

The body has four parathyroid glands, which are pea-sized and located in the neck behind the thyroid gland.2 The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH) and are part of the endocrine system.

PTH regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood through its direct effects on the kidney and bone, where the body stores most of its calcium.

Decreased PTH levels lead to low calcium levels and high phosphorus levels in the blood. This imbalance can lead to problems with muscles, teeth, and nerve endings.1

Citations

  1. Society for Endocrinology. (2018). Endocrine conditions: Hypoparathyroidism. Retrieved October 2, 2018, from http://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/hypoparathyroidism/
  2. Hormone Health Network (Endocrine Society). (2018). Hypoparathyroidism. Retrieved October 2, 2018, from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hypoparathyroidism 
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