Expert Views on Hypopara
Expert Views on Hypopara
The Seeds of Change initiative is committed to supporting greater understanding of hypoparathyroidism (hypopara) and the impact it has on patients’ lives. Through collaboration with leading professionals in hypopara, we explore the complexities of hypopara management, share insights from real patient experiences, and reflect on how clinical practice can continue to evolve – helping healthcare professionals better support those living with this rare condition.
Improving multidisciplinary care in hypoparathyroidism: a conversation across specialties
Given people living with hypoparathyroidism will likely interact with several specialists as part of their management, how can healthcare professionals ensure care remains coordinated, consistent and centred around the individual? In this expert discussion, Professor Jeremy Turner and Mr Shad Khan explore the realities of managing a complex rare condition across multiple disciplines, how stronger collaboration can help improve patient outcomes, and practical ways to implement closer working.
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By Professor Jeremy Turner, Consultant Endocrinologist, and Mr Shad Khan, Consultant Endocrine Surgeon
What patients can teach us about the long-term management of hypoparathyroidism
Through a conversation with Lydia Hale, a woman living with hypoparathyroidism, Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Lavanya Pelluri explores how people living with this rare condition often develop a deep understanding of their health over time, recognising symptom patterns and early warning signs that may not always be captured during routine monitoring. The article examines how combining clinical expertise with lived experience can help create a more complete picture of disease burden, support shared decision-making, and ensure long-term management is centred around what matters most to each individual patient.
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By Dr Lavanya Pelluri, Consultant Endocrinologist at University Hospital Birmingham, in conversation with Lydia Hale, a woman living with chronic hypoparathyroidism
Beyond the Numbers: Breaking Down Misconceptions in Hypoparathyroidism
Dr Hassan-Smith reflects on the potential limitations of a metrics-only approach to hypopara management, the need to recognise psychological burden, long-term complications, and the role of patient empowerment and community support in improving outcomes.
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By Dr Zaki Hassan-Smith, Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Clinical Associate Professor, Aston University.
The Silent Condition: Managing Long-Term Complications in Hypoparathyroidism
Dr Abbas focuses on the often-overlooked long-term complications of hypopara, including renal, cardiovascular, bone and cognitive risk.
He highlights the importance of proactive monitoring, multidisciplinary care and patient education to achieve improved long-term outcomes for people living with hypopara.
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By Dr Afroze Abbas, Consultant Endocrinologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Missing from the Metrics: Navigating Symptom Fluctuations in Hypopara Care for Women
Dr Victoria Stokes discusses the challenges faced by women living with hypoparathyroidism, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause, where hormonal fluctuations and life stages complicate symptom management and monitoring. She highlights the potential limitations of current care models that rely on infrequent biochemical assessments, advocating for more dynamic, patient-centred approaches.
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By Dr Victoria Stokes, Consultant Endocrinologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Think Calcium, Think Long-Term: Bridging the Gaps in the Hypoparathyroidism Care Pathway
Professor Selby provides advice on identifying and addressing gaps in the hypopara patient pathway, and the importance of primary and secondary care professionals remaining vigilant to calcium monitoring and the risk of long-term consequences.
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By Professor Peter Selby, Consultant Physician and Honorary Clinical Professor of Metabolic Bone Disease.
When ‘In Range’ Isn’t Enough: The Importance of Quality of Life in Hypoparathyroidism
Helen Loo explores why biochemical stability alone does not fully reflect the lived experience of people with hypoparathyroidism. Despite being “in range”, many patients continue to face significant physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that often go unrecognised.
Loo discusses how formal quality‑of‑life tools can support more meaningful, consistent assessment, enabling clinicians to identify unmet needs, validate patient experiences, and track progress over time.
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By Helen Loo, Endocrine Specialist Nurse at Oxford University Hospitals.
