Wendy Williams on Wednesday told viewers that she has been diagnosed with Graves' disease, and that her doctor has ordered her to take a three-week break from her show.
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The 53-year-old talk show host said she will be using the time off to focus on treating the autoimmune disorder.
Williams said she knew she had thyroid issues, but did not know she was struggling with hyperthyroidism, or overproduction of thyroid hormones, from Graves' disease. Instead, she thought she was going through a mix of menopause and stress from helping her son apply for college.
An excess of those hormones can cause a wide range of health issues, depending on the person, including heart tremors, anxiety, and shakiness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people can experience inflammation and twitching of the muscles around their eyes, which Williams acknowledged viewers had noticed earlier.
"You caught it before I did," she said.
The diagnosis could also help explain her fainting episode that happened several months ago.
After Williams announced the news, her fans expressed their support on social media.
@WendyWilliams SO PROUD OF YOU FOR TAKING TIME OFF. YOU NEED THIS REST AND WE LOVE YOU FOR LISTENING TO YOUR DOCTOR… https://t.co/3ZV8px7H8E
@WendyWilliams Hi Wendy read about your diagnoses. I have had Graves for 25 years. Once the Dr. Gets your thyroid n… https://t.co/yH5sMfSFwB
@WendyWilliams Finally! I watch u every day Wendy everyday, but......yes u have to take care of yourself. Its a Mus… https://t.co/AGDmgZzHFQ
And true to form, despite the prescription for a three-week break, Williams promised she'd try to be back in two: "I'm not an heiress. Who's gonna pay my bills?"
