Which condition results from insufficient or absent secretion of parathyroid hormone causing hypocalcemia?

• A. Hypoparathyroidism
• B. Hyperparathyroidism
• C. Pancreatitis
• D. Hyperinsulinism

Answer: (A)

Parathyroid hormone keeps calcium in the normal range by stimulating bone release of calcium, increasing kidney calcium reabsorption, and promoting active vitamin D production to boost gut calcium absorption. When its secretion is insufficient or absent, these processes don’t raise calcium levels, so blood calcium falls. That condition is hypoparathyroidism.

Understanding this helps: low calcium can cause symptoms such as tingling, muscle cramps, tetany, and even seizures. Lab clues often include low calcium with low PTH (and sometimes high phosphate due to reduced phosphate excretion). Treatments focus on raising calcium levels through supplementation and active vitamin D, along with addressing the underlying cause.

Hyperparathyroidism would raise calcium rather than lower it. Pancreatitis and hyperinsulinism involve the pancreas and glucose regulation, not the hormone-prompted calcium balance described here.