“Wendy first” is the new motto for Wendy Williams. As the 53-year-old makes her return to her daytime talk show Monday (March 19) after taking a three-week hiatus, Williams appeared on Good Morning America, to give fans an update on her health — and address that women her age seem to neglect their own health.
“We take care of everybody but ourselves, and it’s really unfortunate,” Williams said in the interview. “No matter what the woman’s status is, it seems like we’re all in the same boat.”
The television personality talked about her diagnosis with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. On top of that, Williams also has hyperthyroidism, a condition caused by an overactive thyroid. She revealed that she neglected her endocrinologist appointment due to the nervousness she feels towards doctor’s appointments.
“I have Graves’ disease and hyperthyroid. If you have one, you don’t necessarily have to have the other, but I have both, and I was diagnosed with both 19 years ago,” she said.
Among the side effects of Graves’ disease are irritability, anxiety, intolerance of heat, muscle spasms and retracted eyelids which cause the appearance of bulging eyes. Williams discussed her experiences with the side effects upon her announcement of the hiatus.
A message from Wendy. pic.twitter.com/tDzsW1s6kf
— Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) February 21, 2018
The talk show world is surely happy to have Williams back, and she’s happy to return now that her condition is under control. “I feel a hundred percent better than I was a few months ago,” Williams said. “I had a storm going in my body, is the best way I can explain it.”
Watch Williams’ GMA interview below.