Parathormone—more commonly known as parathyroid hormone (PTH)—plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the body. Secreted by the small parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid, PTH is essential for proper bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and even cardiovascular health.
How PTH Functions in the Body
PTH works by:
- Stimulating the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream
- Enhancing calcium absorption from food in the intestines
- Reducing calcium loss through the kidneys, helping the body conserve this essential mineral
These actions ensure that your blood calcium levels remain within a healthy range—critical for muscle contractions, nerve function, and heart rhythm stability.
When Things Go Wrong: Low Parathormone Levels (Hypoparathyroidism)
Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH. This leads to low calcium (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) levels in the blood.
The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is damage to or accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroid or neck surgery. In these cases, it’s worth checking alignment or trauma near the cervical vertebrae (especially C5–C7), as misalignment can sometimes impact glandular function.
Other Causes Include:
Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism: A rare condition where a person is born without functioning parathyroid tissue.
Pseudo-hypoparathyroidism: The body produces PTH, but the tissues don’t respond to it—often linked to genetic or autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms of Low PTH
Calcium is essential for powering the nervous system and muscle contractions. When calcium levels drop too low, the body begins to experience a range of symptoms, some subtle and others severe.
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the lips, hands, fingers, and toes
- Muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the face, hands, and legs
- Twitching, or severe muscle contractions known as tetany
- Fatigue, headaches, or memory disturbances
- Dry skin, brittle nails, hair thinning, or dry/frizzy hair
- Dental abnormalities (misshapen teeth, enamel defects)
- Cataracts or blurred vision
- Candidiasis (yeast overgrowth) affecting the skin, mouth, or nails
- Impaired kidney function
- Seizures (due to calcium deposits in the brain)
- Heart rhythm disturbances and occasional fainting
- In children, developmental delays or cognitive challenges
Managing Hypoparathyroidism
Because PTH affects multiple systems, proper diagnosis and management are key. This often includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, dietary adjustments, and regular blood tests to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels.
In functional and integrative medicine, we may also explore the underlying root causes, including autoimmune triggers, nutrient imbalances, and even postural or spinal influences that may be disrupting gland function.
If you’re experiencing several of the symptoms above—or have had recent neck or thyroid surgery—consider speaking to a practitioner who can test your PTH levels and assess calcium-phosphate balance. Early detection can prevent long-term complications and support a return to balanced health.
