Not an actual patient.Treatments
Treatment options
for HypoPARA
Managing chronic HypoPARA
There are different medications that can help manage chronic HypoPARAthyroidism (HypoPARA). Your doctor may recommend:
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Calcium
to temporarily increase the amount of calcium in your bloodstream. It can be taken as an oral supplement or provided as an IV
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Active vitamin D
to increase calcium absorption in your intestines. Active vitamin D is prescribed by your doctor
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Magnesium
to help with low magnesium levels and absorption of calcium (taken as an over-the-counter supplement)
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Thiazide diuretic
to help lower urine calcium levels (prescribed as an oral treatment)
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PARAthyroid hormone (PTH) therapy
taken to address the low or missing hormone
Treating with calcium and active vitamin D alone can have risks
Calcium and active vitamin D help calcium levels reach a normal range, but they also:
- Can have health consequences when taken in high doses, like kidney stones and chronic kidney disease
- Complicate your daily routine with multiple pills
- Can irritate the stomach, causing gas and bloating
- Do not address high phosphate levels
“Living with chronic HypoPARA, it’s always there. You don’t get a break from it, but I learned early on to tell my doctors what I need. I started tracking symptoms, which helps me better understand my chronic HypoPARA and that helps me be more proactive in managing it.”
Curt’s story was sponsored by Ascendis Pharma.
Signs your chronic HypoPARA is not well controlled
If you have any of these warning signs, talk to your doctor about how you could be managing your condition differently.
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Symptoms of low calcium, such as muscle cramps and seizures
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Reduced physical functioning and well-being, such as fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, or difficulty doing daily tasks
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Stomach issues, which can affect how calcium is absorbed
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Frequent increases in doses of calcium and active vitamin D
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Kidney issues, like kidney stones, decreased kidney function, and/or high levels of calcium in urine
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High phosphate levels, which can contribute to the buildup of calcium in organs over time
