Definition: Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands (four small glands located next to the thyroid gland) are underfunctioning, producing too little parathyroid hormone, known as parathormone, or PTH.
A parathormone deficiency results in low blood calcium, and a condition called hypocalcemia.
Hypoparathyroidism can be due to damage to the glands from thyroid or neck surgery, autoimmune disease, surgical removal of the parathyroids, or defective or missing parathyroid glands from birth (congenital hypoparathyroidism).
Hypoparathyroidism is treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation to maintain normal calcium levels.
Common Misspellings: hypoparathryoidism, hypoparathroidism
