Signs and Symptoms

Hypoparathyroidism is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

• Muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or feet
• Convulsions
• Cataracts
• Hair loss
• Dry skin or malformed nails
• Anxiety
• Abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning, especially around the mouth and fingers
• Candidiasis (yeast infection), in cases resulting from autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type I The following signs and symptoms often appear in children with hypoparathyroidism:
• Poor tooth development
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Mental deficiency

What Causes It?

Hypoparathyroidism results from a variety of causes, as listed below:

• Underdeveloped parathyroid glands at birth
• Medical treatment (radiation to thyroid gland, drug treatment, thyroid or parathyroid surgery)
• An underlying medical condition such as cancer, neck trauma, Wilson's disease (high level of copper in tissues), an excess of iron in tissues, low levels of magnesium

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing hypoparathyroidism:

• Genetic factors
• Medications that suppress the parathyroid gland, such as asparagine, doxorubicin, cytosine arabinoside,

cimetidine, and preparations containing aluminum

• Surgery or removal of the parathyroid gland
• Extensive radiation to or removal of the thyroid gland

Treatment Plan

A lifelong regimen of dietary and/or supplemental calcium and vitamin D is usually required to restore calcium and mineral balance. In the acute phase of hypoparathyroidism, calcium will be administered intravenously; diuretics may be prescribed in that circumstance as well to prevent over excretion of calcium in the urine and to reduce the amount of calcium and vitamin D needed.

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

If there is a soy sensitivity use:

• D3 1000TM - 2 microtablets three times daily. Bioactive Vitamin D in a microtablet delivery form
• Cal Apatite® with Magnesium - 1-3 tablets twice daily

Cal Apatite with Magnesium is a comprehensive bone support formula featuring purity-certified, calcium- rich microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC), a complex crystalline compound composed

primarily of calcium, phosphorus, delicate organic factors and protein matrix, bone-derived growth factors, and a full spectrum of trace minerals that naturally comprise healthy bone with an addition of 300 mg of magnesium per serving.

• ChloroClearTM - 2 softgels daily

ChloroClear contains concentrated amounts of chlorophyllin, the most abundant source of Vitamin K, to support the first line of protection against certain dietary and environmental toxins.

• Para Thyrolate - 2 tablets three times daily

Para Thyrolate is designed to help normalize calcium and phosphorus metabolism by virtue of its

parathyroid component while also containing thyroid growth and repair factors.

• N-19 Parathyroid Plus - 10 drops three times daily

Homeopathic endocrine formula to support parathyroid normalization

Dietary Suggestions

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Hyperparathyroidism

There are four parathyroid glands, located behind the two lobes of the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands produce the hormone that regulates blood levels of calcium and phosphate, minerals necessary for strong bones and teeth. Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, which, in turn, results in an elevation of calcium levels in the blood.

Signs and Symptoms

At least 50% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have no symptoms, and approximately 1% of cases

go undiagnosed. When symptoms do occur, they are generally attributable to persistently high levels of calcium

and may include:

• Joint pain
• Bone loss leading to osteoporosis
• Muscle weakness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Lack of appetite
• Ulcers
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Kidney stones
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Excessive drowsiness

What Causes It?

Primary hyperparathyroidism may develop as a result of one of the following conditions:

• Single or multiple benign tumors in the parathyroid glands
• Parathyroid hyperplasia (excessive growth of normal parathyroid cells)
• Parathyroid malignancies (rare)
• Certain endocrine disorders, such as Type I and II multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing primary hyperparathyroidism:

• Age: incidence increases with age (but the disease can also affect children)
• Gender: affects twice as many women as men
• Genetic endocrine problems (MEN syndromes)

Suggested Nutritional Supplementation

• Para Thyrolate - 2 tablets three times daily

Para Thyrolate is designed to help normalize calcium and phosphorus metabolism by virtue of its

parathyroid component while also containing thyroid growth and repair factors.

• Iso D TM - 1 tablet twice daily

Iso D delivers 2,000 IU of Vitamin D with Isoflavones that may help facilitate the body's utilization of vitamin D3 for enhanced health benefits.

If there is a soy sensitivity use:

• D3 1000TM - 2 microtablets twice daily

Bioactive Vitamin D in a microtablet delivery form

• Cal Apatite Plus® - 2-3 tablets three times daily

Complete Bone Nutrition; Purity-Certified MCHC with Ipriflavone and Vitamin D

If there is a soy sensitivity use:

• Cal Apatite® Forte Capsules - 2-3 capsules three times daily. Complete Bone Nutrition with Vitamin D
• ChloroClearTM - 2 softgels daily

ChloroClear contains concentrated amounts of chlorophyllin, the most abundant source of Vitamin K, to support the first line of protection against certain dietary and environmental toxins.

• N-19 Parathyroid Plus - 10 drops three times daily

Homeopathic endocrine formula to support parathyroid normalization

Dietary Suggestions

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet