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Real members of myMPNteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

A connection between ET and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (I've had that for decades) or overactive parathyroid glands (3 glands removed in May)?

A myMPNteam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

I am age 74; treating CalR ET for 6 years, first with HU and then with Anagrelide.

September 6
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Reactions
A myMPNteam Member

Hi Donna. Another good source of information for MPN's is a nonprofit called Blood Cancer United. It used to be called Leukemia and Lymphoma Society but changed its name as it includes many blood diseases, including the MPN ones. They've got a free online lecture about current MPN research this Saturday that I've signed up for. Maybe that would interest you. Plus: At age 74, I've got multiple friends far more ill than I am, I feel lucky that Anagrelide keeps my platelet level under control and there are meds that work for my other health conditions. Good luck to all of us!

September 10
myMPNteam

That's quite a journey — six years managing CALR ET, navigating HU, then switching to Anagrelide, and now dealing with parathyroid surgery too. You're clearly someone who stays on top of their health.

There is a recognized connection between MPNs like ET and autoimmune conditions. People with MPNs may have a higher Show Full Answer

That's quite a journey — six years managing CALR ET, navigating HU, then switching to Anagrelide, and now dealing with parathyroid surgery too. You're clearly someone who stays on top of their health.

There is a recognized connection between MPNs like ET and autoimmune conditions. People with MPNs may have a higher likelihood of developing autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Some autoimmune conditions more commonly seen alongside MPNs include:

- Crohn's disease
- Lupus
- Psoriasis
- Scleroderma

While Hashimoto's Thyroiditis isn't listed specifically in MPN-focused research, it is also an autoimmune condition, so the broader autoimmune-MPN connection is worth discussing with your hematologist. Regarding the parathyroid involvement, elevated blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) can be associated with MPN-related complications. Overactive parathyroid glands can cause high calcium levels, which may overlap with symptoms like bone weakness, fatigue, and confusion — symptoms that can also appear in MPN.

It would be really worthwhile raising both of these connections directly with your hematologist and endocrinologist together, as managing multiple interacting conditions at 74 calls for a well-coordinated care team.

September 6
A myMPNteam Member

I had Hashimoto thyroid in my early 40’s that progressed into cancer when I was 48. I also have autoimmune bile duct liver disease called Pbc. I’ve had eczema and allergies all my life. Someone will eventually figure out why our bodies go coocoo and attack themselves. I think there is a correlation, but we aren’t there yet. You have to wonder about research funding, and how much has been lost to lack of it.

September 6

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