Hypoparathyroidism Blood Test

What is Hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to disrupted calcium and phosphate balance in the body. It is caused by damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands during neck surgery, autoimmune disorders, or genetic conditions that affect gland function. The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures PTH levels in the blood.

RECOMMENDED TEST Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No extra fees paid at the lab
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
Why Private MD Labs?
90-day money-back guarantee Lab order in minutes Save a trip to the doctor Low prices since 2005 Labs within 2 miles

What causes hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism is caused by damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located in the neck behind the thyroid. The most common cause is accidental injury to these glands during thyroid or neck surgery. Other causes include autoimmune disorders where the body attacks its own parathyroid tissue, radiation treatment to the neck area, genetic conditions like DiGeorge syndrome, or low magnesium levels that impair parathyroid function.

What is the best test for hypoparathyroidism?

The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact test is the most important test for hypoparathyroidism because it directly measures the level of intact PTH hormone in your blood. In hypoparathyroidism, PTH levels are characteristically low, confirming that your parathyroid glands are not producing enough hormone. This test should be combined with Calcium, Serum and Calcium, Ionized, Serum tests to confirm the diagnosis. The combination of low PTH with low calcium levels provides definitive evidence of hypoparathyroidism and helps your healthcare provider distinguish it from other conditions affecting calcium balance.

When should I get tested for hypoparathyroidism?

You should get tested if you have recently undergone thyroid or neck surgery and are experiencing symptoms like muscle cramps, spasms, or tingling in your hands, feet, or around your mouth. Testing is also important if you experience unexplained seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, or dental problems like weak tooth enamel. You should seek testing immediately if you develop severe muscle spasms or tetany, as these indicate dangerously low calcium levels requiring urgent medical attention.

What are the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?
Hypoparathyroidism causes symptoms related to low calcium levels in the blood. You might experience muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching, especially in your hands, feet, or face. Tingling or numbness around your mouth, fingers, and toes is common. Other symptoms include seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, brittle nails, dry skin and hair, cognitive difficulties like memory problems and brain fog, anxiety or depression, and dental problems including weak tooth enamel and poor tooth development in children.
Who is at risk for hypoparathyroidism?
People who have undergone thyroid surgery, parathyroid surgery, or other neck surgeries are at highest risk for hypoparathyroidism due to potential damage to the parathyroid glands. Those with autoimmune disorders affecting multiple endocrine glands, individuals who have received radiation therapy to the neck or head, and people with genetic conditions like DiGeorge syndrome also face increased risk. Family history of parathyroid disorders, magnesium deficiency, and certain rare genetic mutations can predispose individuals to developing this condition.
What happens if hypoparathyroidism is left untreated?
Untreated hypoparathyroidism can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications due to persistently low calcium levels. You may develop cataracts that impair vision, kidney damage from calcium deposits, abnormal heart rhythms that can be dangerous, and basal ganglia calcification that affects brain function and movement. Chronic low calcium can cause permanent cognitive impairment, severe dental problems, weakened bones despite high phosphate levels, and increased risk of seizures. Early diagnosis and treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplementation is essential to prevent these complications.
Can hypoparathyroidism be diagnosed with a blood test?
Hypoparathyroidism is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that measure hormone and mineral levels. The key diagnostic tests include the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact test to measure PTH levels, Calcium, Serum to check total calcium, and Calcium, Ionized, Serum to measure active calcium. The characteristic pattern of low PTH combined with low calcium and high phosphate levels confirms the diagnosis. Blood tests also help rule out other causes of low calcium and monitor treatment effectiveness over time.
How is hypoparathyroidism treated?
Hypoparathyroidism is treated primarily with calcium and vitamin D supplementation to maintain normal calcium levels in the blood. Your doctor will prescribe oral calcium carbonate or calcium citrate along with active vitamin D (calcitriol) to help your body absorb calcium effectively. In some cases, synthetic parathyroid hormone replacement therapy may be used. Treatment requires regular blood test monitoring to ensure calcium levels stay within the target range and to adjust medication doses. A diet rich in calcium and low in phosphorus is also recommended to support treatment.
How can I prevent hypoparathyroidism?
Most cases of hypoparathyroidism cannot be prevented because they result from surgical complications or genetic factors. However, if you are undergoing thyroid or neck surgery, choosing an experienced surgeon who specializes in these procedures reduces the risk of parathyroid gland damage. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels through diet or supplements can help support parathyroid function. If you have a family history of parathyroid disorders or genetic conditions associated with hypoparathyroidism, genetic counseling and early screening can help with early detection and management.
What can I do at home for hypoparathyroidism?
At home, focus on taking your prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements consistently and at the times recommended by your doctor. Eat a calcium-rich diet including dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods while limiting high-phosphorus foods like sodas and processed foods. Keep a symptom diary to track any tingling, cramping, or other signs of low calcium so you can report them to your healthcare provider. Get regular blood tests as scheduled to monitor your calcium levels, and wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your condition in case of emergency. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine, which can affect calcium absorption.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
Choose a checkup
Order your test Save a trip to the doctor. Your results will come with clear, friendly explanations. Takes 2 minutes
Book a lab
Book an appointment Visit any of our 4,000 nearby lab locations to have your samples collected. Book or walk-in
Choose a checkup
Get results Receive a clear, easy-to-digest health report by email & SMS within a few business days. Get answers, fast

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

You get clinical lab reports & simplified health insights.
Save time & gas, go straight to the lab. Our doctors cover the rest.
Results start landing the next day after your lab visit.*
We don’t sell or share your data. Your time & privacy matter.
US-licensed doctors have your back if things get unclear.
No hidden fees, nice discounts for regular checkups.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
Demo results
Testosterone 375 ng/dL
Demo results
Normal Optimal 400 - 1000 High
375 ng/dL

What this means

Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

Us vs. Them

Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Google reviews 505 reviews Next
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

Sample results

Sample image
For you & your coach Health insights Written in human language, backed by science.
Sample image
For you & your doc Classic lab report A familiar and comprehensive lab report.

Ask AI

Your 24/7 Lab Guide

Quick questions:

Which test is right for my symptoms?
What could be causing this?
When should I get tested?
A
Hi, I'm AI. I can help you find the right test, explain results, or prepare for your visit. What can I help with?
Just now
A
AI provides insights, not medical diagnoses.