E20-E35: Disorders of other endocrine glands

E20: Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism comprises a group of conditions characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body. This hormone is crucial for regulating and balancing calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood and bones. When PTH is low, calcium levels drop and phosphorus levels rise, leading to a host of physical symptoms, which generally include muscle cramps or spasms, tingling in the lips, fingers and toes, fatigue, dry skin, brittle nails, and depression. Brought on by damage to the parathyroid glands during head or neck surgery, autoimmune disease, or genetic disorders, this group of conditions progresses slowly over time. Without adequate PTH, calcium cannot effectively carry messages between nerve cells or aid in muscle contraction, negatively impacting the muscular and nervous systems.