- Wendy Williams is taking a hiatus from The Wendy Williams Show due to health complications.
- According to a statement shared to her Instagram, she is dealing with Graves’ disease symptoms, including fatigue.
- Williams first announced she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in February 2018.
Wendy Williams is taking a hiatus from The Wendy Williams Show until further notice, according to a statement posted to her official Instagram account. The TV host, who first revealed she has Graves’ disease in February 2018, “has been dealing with symptoms,” including fatigue, the statement said.
As a precautionary measure, Williams decided to take time off to receive treatment for her symptoms after consulting with her doctor. It’s not known when she will return to The Wendy Williams Show. “We look forward to welcoming Wendy back soon and continuing Wendy@Home shows,” the statement read, adding that “more updates on a return date will follow.”
Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. It occurs when your immune system goes haywire and attacks the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, resulting in more thyroid hormone than needed. The disorder is quite common, affecting about 1 in 200 people, most commonly women, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Symptoms of Graves’ disease include an irregular heartbeat, irritability, tiredness, muscle weakness, trembling hands, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance, and weight loss, the NIH says. While there is no cure, it’s typically treated with medication, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery. If it goes untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to serious health complications including blood clots, stroke, heart failure, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, or osteoporosis.
This isn’t the first time Williams has stepped away from work due to health concerns. In February 2018, when she first announced her diagnosis, she took a three-week break from her show.
“I had a storm going in my body is the best way I can explain it,” she told People at the time. “It came from me neglecting my six-month endocrinology appointment. I have Graves’ disease and hyperthyroid. If you have one you don’t necessarily have to have the other, but I have both.” She also revealed she first received her diagnosis nearly two decades ago.
Williams said her health was “pretty bad” before she took her initial hiatus. She had terrible mood swings, which she believed were a result of menopause. The talk show host also fainted on live TV in October 2017, and she discovered she had high blood pressure. “I can’t believe that I got up after the commercial break and closed out the show,” she recalled.
“I love doing the show, but I love me more. So I’m going to take care of me, so I can be there for them,” she said at the time.
It looks like Williams is prioritizing her health once again. Although we aren’t sure when she’ll return to the screen, we’re hoping she feels better soon!
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Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.
