Almost a year after she took three weeks off following her announcement that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, talk show host Wendy Williams is taking another hiatus from her daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show.
The show announced Friday that Williams, 54, “is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being.”
“As Wendy Williams Hunter previously shared, she fractured her shoulder and has been on the mend,” reads the statement posted on the show’s official Instagram page. “Over the past few days, Wendy has experienced complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment.”
Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is a common cause.
Because thyroid hormones affect a number of different body systems, signs and symptoms associated with Graves’ disease can be wide-ranging and significantly influence your overall well-being. Although Graves’ disease may affect anyone, it’s more common among women and before the age of 40.
“Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital,” continues the statement to People.com. “Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being. Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time.”
Variety reported earlier this month that Williams, who is recovering after fracturing her shoulder in December, would resume taping The Wendy Williams Show on Jan. 21, a week later than the Jan. 14 return date that had been previously announced. (The show has been in reruns since Dec. 24.)
According to Williams’ Instagram, new episodes were supposed to resume on Jan. 14, but with a panel of “Hot Talkers” serving in the host’s absence.
Now, the show will instead air repeat episodes the week of Jan. 21 and will produce original episodes with a variety of hosts starting the week of Jan. 28, according to the official statement.
Debmar-Mercury, the distributor and producer of the show, said in a statement: “For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. We wholeheartedly support Wendy in this decision to take the time she needs and we will welcome her back with open arms the moment she is ready.”
But being “ready” may take time due to symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease include:
Anxiety and irritability
A fine tremor of your hands or fingers
Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
Enlargement of your thyroid gland (goiter)
Change in menstrual cycles
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Frequent bowel movements
Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Fatigue
Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
About 30 percent of people with Graves’ disease show some signs and symptoms of a condition known as…
… Graves’ ophthalmopathy. In Graves’ ophthalmopathy, inflammation and other immune system events affect muscles and other tissues around your eyes. This is something many on social media commented on last year when pictures and video of Williams surfaced, making people wonder if there were issues with her health. The resulting signs and symptoms may include:
Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
Gritty sensation in the eyes
Pressure or pain in the eyes
Puffy or retracted eyelids
Reddened or inflamed eyes
Light sensitivity
Double vision
Vision loss
Graves’ dermopathy
An uncommon manifestation of Graves’ disease, called Graves’ dermopathy, is the reddening and thickening of the skin, most often on your shins or the tops of your feet.
When to see a doctor
A number of medical conditions can cause the signs and symptoms associated with Graves’ disease. See your doctor if you experience any potential problems related to Graves’ disease to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
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