Missy Elliott [1] has revealed that she's been suffering with Graves' disease -- an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid -- as of 2008.

Missy reportedly [2] shared details of the diagnosis with People Magazine, saying that the symptoms -- including mood swings and weight loss --- affected her quickly and unexpectedly.

"I was [driving and] trying to put my foot on the brake, but my leg was jumping. I couldn't keep the brake down and almost crashed," Elliott said. "I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad -- I couldn't even use a pen."

Elliott has been going through radiation and exercising, which fortunately has improved her condition. "I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising." Elliott continues. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life."

As Missy continues as a champ, fighting through her disease, which unfortunately has no cure as of yet, she's working on new music with long time friend and collaborator, Timbaland [3]. Elliott will be featured on VH1's 'Behind the Music,' further discussing her battle with Graves' disease, weight issues, and being sexually molested as a child.

You can catch Elliott's 'Behind the Music' special on Wednesday, June 29 at 10 PM.