Hypoparathyroidism

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of hypoparathyroidism can include:

  • Tingling or burning (paresthesias) in your fingertips, toes and lips
  • Muscle aches or cramps affecting your legs, feet, abdomen or face
  • Twitching or spasms of your muscles, particularly around your mouth, but also in your hands, arms and throat
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Painful menstruation
  • Patchy hair loss, such as thinning of your eyebrows
  • Dry, coarse skin
  • Brittle nails
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Headaches
  • Depression, mood swings
  • Memory problems

When to see a doctor
If you have any of the signs and symptoms associated with hypoparathyroidism, make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Once you've been diagnosed, contact your doctor immediately if you have a seizure or have difficulty breathing, both of which can be complications of hypoparathyroidism.

References
  1. Hypoparathyroidism. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/hypoparathyroidism.cfm. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  2. Shoback D. Hypoparathyroidism. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:391.
  3. Hueston WJ, et al. Endocrine disorders. In: South-Paul JE, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill/Lange; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3034534. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  4. Fitzgerald PA. Endocrine disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009. 48th ed. Los Altos, Calif.: Lange Medical Publications; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=14198. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  5. Disorders of calcium concentration. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec12/ch156/ch156g.html. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  6. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp. Accessed March 8, 2009.

DS00952

April 18, 2009

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