What is hypoparathyroidism?
Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the body doesn’t make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).1
Parathyroid glands are four small endocrine glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland that secrete PTH.
PTH regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus that is stored in the bones and circulated in the blood. PTH has a direct effect on the body’s calcium reservoir in the bones. It also signals the kidneys to either retain or secrete calcium and works with vitamin D to control how much calcium we absorb from our diet.
Decreased levels of PTH lead to low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus in the blood. This imbalance can lead to problems with bones, muscles, skin, and nerve endings.
- Society for Endocrinology. (2012). Endocrine Conditions: Hypoparathyroidism. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from: http://www.yourhormones.info/endocrine-conditions/hypoparathyroidism/
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