Temporary Low Calcium
Low calcium can occur temporarily after thyroid or parathyroid surgery. It is usually straightforward to treat with calcium and, when required, calcitriol.
Why can calcium fall after surgery?
The parathyroid glands regulate the calcium level in your blood by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).
After thyroid surgery, the parathyroid glands can temporarily produce less PTH. After parathyroid surgery, calcium and PTH levels also fall as your body adjusts following removal of the overactive parathyroid gland or glands.
What does low calcium feel like?
Common early symptoms
Tingling around the lips or mouth • tingling in the fingers or toes • pins and needles • unusual numbness
More significant symptoms
Muscle twitching • muscle cramps or spasms • increasing or persistent tingling despite taking calcium
Calcium treatment
If you have been prescribed calcium after your operation, take it according to the instructions you were given when leaving hospital.
Calcium tablets
Calcium tablets replace calcium while your body's calcium balance and parathyroid function recover.
Calcitriol
Some patients also require calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.
Blood tests
Calcium and PTH levels are used together with your symptoms to guide treatment.
You may need repeat blood tests after leaving hospital, particularly if you are taking calcium or calcitriol.
What should I do if I develop symptoms?
If you develop tingling around your mouth, fingers or toes, or muscle cramping, follow the calcium instructions you were given when you left hospital.
If symptoms persist, recur frequently or become more significant despite taking your prescribed calcium, contact the rooms for advice.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Severe muscle spasms, marked weakness, confusion, collapse, seizure, difficulty breathing or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
If symptoms are significant and you cannot obtain prompt advice from the surgical team, attend an emergency department.
How long will I need calcium?
This varies from patient to patient. Some people require supplementation only briefly, while others need treatment for longer.
Your blood results and symptoms will guide when calcium and calcitriol can be reduced or stopped.
Unsure about your calcium?
If you have symptoms or are unsure how much calcium or calcitriol you should be taking, please contact the rooms.
Contact the rooms