What is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism?

The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is accidental surgical damage, particularly during thyroid or neck surgery. During procedures where the parathyroid glands are located near the thyroid, there is a risk of inadvertently injuring or removing these glands, which can lead to a deficiency in parathyroid hormone (PTH). This deficiency results in decreased calcium levels in the bloodstream, causing symptoms of hypoparathyroidism.

While autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney disease, and genetic disorders can lead to hypoparathyroidism, they are not as prevalent as surgical complications. Autoimmune diseases can cause destruction of the parathyroid glands, but conditions like chronic kidney disease primarily lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism rather than primary hypoparathyroidism. Genetic disorders associated with hypoparathyroidism exist, but the incidence is low compared to cases resulting from surgical intervention. This clarity reinforces that accidental damage during surgery is the leading cause of this endocrine disorder.