A Look At Graves' Disease: What’s Ailing Wendy Williams?
Following her big announcement earlier this week, Wendy Williams's ailment has come under closer inspection. Graves' disease is now under the proverbial microscope.
The talk show host made the shock reveal this past Wednesday that she's been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, which results in hyperthyroidism.
Wendy Williams To Take A Short Hiatus
Williams confirmed she will be taking a short hiatus from The Wendy Williams Show under doctor's orders.
"Wendy has been openly dealing with her Graves' Disease for many years, in addition to hyperthyroidism. Yesterday, Wendy's doctor prescribed a necessary three weeks of rest to get her levels and medication in sync," her representative confirmed.
The TV host fainted on-air during an October broadcast after taking a time off for what was perceived to be flu-like symptoms. She used this week's announcement to encourage women around the country to stop putting off those much-needed trips to the doctor.
"What I want to say to women, more than men, is stop putting everyone first because if we're not good, they're not good," Williams said.
What Is Graves' Disease?
Graves' disease is the most common reason for developing hyperthyroidism. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own cells, resulting in the thyroid going into overdrive.
Symptoms can be anything from weight loss, fatigue, hand tremors, to period changes as well as various eye and skin issues. It often renders sufferers anxious and irritable. Williams recently said she's been suffering thinning hair as a result of the disease.
Patients can also develop Graves' ophthalmology, which can cause bulging eyes. Williams herself has been suffering from twitching eyeball, as viewers noticed while watching her show.
"I feel like there are birds flying around my head. It's like I'm constantly high - but I'm not high!" Williams joked with the audience.
Treatment involves targeting excess iodine, which is required by the thyroid to produce hormones or blocking the hormones once they're created. Surgery may be required, in certain cases, to remove part of the thyroid.
Graves' disease is much more prevalent in women, typically affecting those who aged between 30 and 60. A family history of the disease, or other autoimmune diseases, may also have an effect as well as smoking and severe emotional stress or trauma.
The Wendy Williams Show will air repeats during the host's absence. Wednesday's live show was produced specifically so Williams could make the announcement to viewers herself, and explain her position.
