Symptoms

Hypoparathyroidism is mainly characterized by too low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia). This will disturb the nerve transmissions and muscles in the body and may lead to convulsions. For some patients the symptoms are acute and need intensive care. If the calcium levels are very low or dropping rapidly this may lead to serious spasms.

Most patients with hypoparathyroidism have chronic symptoms of the disease and a reduced quality of life. The symptoms, when the patients are on medication, are worse when the calcium in the blood is too high, too low or unstable. The symptoms of low calcium are often characterized by formication and numbness in the face, arms and legs, dizziness, pain and weakness of muscles and pain in the bones, swelling and pain in the feet, irritability or lassitude, sleepiness, sensitivity to noise and tremor. Gloominess is also common.

If the calcium level is too high (over medication) this may lead to symptoms as headache, nausea, heavy and painful arms and legs, dizziness, feeling of intoxication, thirst and big urination. The symptoms of HPTH may vary a lot. Patients may experience different symptoms or the same patient may experience different symptoms throughout the day.

Some patients have many complaints even if the calcium in the blood is regulated within the normal range. This is because the regulation of calcium and phosphate are disturbed. The PTH receptor function is not functioning properly because of the lack of PTH.
It is important to notice that many factors influence the disease, such as; stress, activity, perspiration, infections, alcohol, coffee and diet.

Complications:

Medicated in a wrong way the disease may be dangerous especially to the kidneys, heart and brain. As time goes by some develop calcifications. The kidneys may be harmed by too much calcium this is called Nephrocalcinosis. Kidney stones may also develop. Skin, hair and teeth may also be affected. In rare occasions there may develop calcifications in the brain. Cataract may also develop.
Low and high calcium levels are linked to our emotions and many patients get depressed and anxious or confused and absent minded. Lassitude and weakness are common.