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HypoPara Life Impacts Assessment

Managing Your HypoPara

Woman with HypoPara getting coffee with a friend Woman with HypoPara getting coffee with a friend

Use of Active Vitamin D and Calcium Is Intended to Address Calcium Levels in the Absence of PTH

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PTH

Principal hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate levels and other actions in the body

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Oral Calcium

Directly addresses low calcium levels

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Active Vitamin D

Helps the absorption of calcium in the intestines

With active vitamin D and calcium:

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Calcium levels may have to be measured in regular intervals

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Many pills may be required to maintain calcium levels

Calcium intake from diet and antacids may also affect calcium levels

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Signs and symptoms of HypoPara may still occur

Woman with HypoPara talking to a friend
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With adequate levels of PTH, calcium levels are maintained within a normal range without the need for additional supplementation.

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.

Woman with HypoPara experiencing the “calcium rollercoaster” Woman with HypoPara experiencing the “calcium rollercoaster” Woman with HypoPara experiencing the “calcium rollercoaster”

Become Familiar With These Symptoms to Recognize Changes in Your Blood Calcium Levels

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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

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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:

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Brain

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Heart

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Eyes

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Kidneys*

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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

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Low calcium levels leading to symptoms (such as muscle cramps, seizures) and ER visits

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GI issues (may affect absorption of calcium)

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Kidney issues (such as high levels of calcium in urine)

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Reduced physical functioning and well-being (such as fatigue, brain fog)

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Frequent increases in doses of active vitamin D and calcium

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High phosphate levels can contribute to the buildup of calcium in organs over time

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“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:

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Kidney stones*

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Poor kidney function*

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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.

Hospital

In a survey, 79% of people (295 of 374) reported hospital stays and emergency care visits due to hypoparathyroidism-related conditions and symptoms.*

*A survey of 374 participants analyzed the hardships associated with hypoparathyroidism with a focus on the clinical and social impacts on quality of life. Questions in the survey included input from clinical experts, patients, and the HypoPARAthyroidism Association, and were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Mississippi. The average duration of the disease was 12.6 years. Calcium, either alone or in combination with other medications (including active vitamin D), was used by 92% of the study participants.

Discover the HypoPara-friendly diet

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What is hypoparathyroidism?

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Ca2+= calcium; ER = emergency room; GI = gastrointestinal; HypoPara = hypoparathyroidism; PTH = parathyroid hormone.