Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

What is Hypoparathyroidism – 10 Facts to Know

Diagnosis

A doctor often starts diagnosing hypoparathyroidism by reviewing medical history. Based on your information, a physical exam will be conducted to look for typical symptoms, such as hair loss, muscle spasms, dry skin, and more. They might take some blood tests as well to measure the levels of PTH, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium in the blood. The results can determine whether your parathyroid glands are operating properly. Some additional tests can be done to verify the condition, including an electrocardiogram or EKG to detect abnormal heart rhythm, a urine test to measure calcium levels, and a bone density test or X-ray. In children, the doctor might need to check for delayed milestones or abnormal development of teeth to diagnose hypoparathyroidism. [5]