Managing Your HypoPara
Use of Active Vitamin D and Calcium Is Intended to Address Calcium Levels in the Absence of PTH
PTH
Principal hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels and other actions in the body
Oral Calcium
Directly addresses low calcium levels
Active Vitamin D
Helps the absorption of calcium in the intestines
With active vitamin D and calcium:
Calcium levels may have to be measured in regular intervals
Many pills may be required to maintain calcium levels
Calcium intake from diet and antacids may also affect calcium levels
Signs and symptoms of HypoPara may still occur
Over Time, Missing PTH May Have Serious Consequences
The “Calcium Rollercoaster”
Severe high and low calcium levels may still occur with active vitamin D and calcium. These episodes are unpredictable and could require emergency attention.
Become Familiar With These Symptoms to Recognize Changes in Your Blood Calcium Levels
Symptoms of low blood calcium levels
Brain
Depression, irritability, confusion or disorientation, seizures
Heart
Abnormal heart rate, symptoms of congestive heart failure (such as fatigue, weakness)
Gastrointestinal
Abdominal cramps
Respiratory
Shortness of breath, wheezing, throat tightness
Muscles
Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes, spasms, twitches, cramps
Symptoms of high blood calcium levels
Brain
Weakness, headache, drowsiness, confusion or disorientation, poor memory, reduced concentration
Heart
Abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure
Gastrointestinal
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation
Kidneys
Excessive urination, dry mouth, increased thirst
Calcium deposits can build up in organs, which leads to complications over time
Some affected areas of the body include the:
Brain
Heart
Eyes
Kidneys*
Blood vessels
*Calcium deposits in the kidneys, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease are mostly the result of treatment with active vitamin D and calcium rather than of hypoparathyroidism itself.
Signs That Your HypoPara May Not Be Fully Addressed
Low calcium levels leading to symptoms (such as muscle cramps, seizures) and ER visits
GI issues (may affect absorption of calcium)
Kidney issues (such as high levels of calcium in urine)
Reduced physical functioning and well-being (such as fatigue, brain fog)
Frequent increases in doses of active vitamin D and calcium
High phosphate levels can contribute to the buildup of calcium in organs over time
“I must vigorously stay on top of my calcium and vitamin D intake. Every day is a constant battle to maintain, and if I don’t, low calcium symptoms set in.”
— Person living with hypoparathyroidism.
People With HypoPara Who Are Taking Active Vitamin D and Calcium Have an Increased Risk of Complications
Increased risk of:
Kidney stones*
Poor kidney function*
Hospital stays due to seizures
*Kidney stones and chronic kidney disease are mostly the result of treatment with active vitamin D and calcium rather than of hypoparathyroidism itself.
Discover the HypoPara-friendly diet
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What is hypoparathyroidism?
Find the causeCa2+= calcium; ER = emergency room; GI = gastrointestinal; HypoPara = hypoparathyroidism; PTH = parathyroid hormone.
