Missy Elliott battles disease

Hip hop star Missy Elliott has revealed why she has been out of the spotlight for three years. The Grammy-winning artist has announced she was diagnosed with Grave’s disease in 2008.

Elliott, who is known for a series of hits and memorable music videos, says she has experienced many of the disease’s symptoms such as dizziness, mood swings, rapid heartbeat and hair loss.

What is Grave’s disease?

It’s the most common form of hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland. It is rarely life threatening.

What causes Grave’s disease?

Graves disease occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, leading it to produce too much of the hormone thyroxine.

What are the symptoms of Grave’s disease?

If you have Grave’s disease, the abnormal immune response can affect the tissue behind your eyes. The swelling might cause your eyes to bulge and move forward. Also, your metabolic rate can spike, which leads to many health problems ranging from anxiety to fatigue, weight loss and goiter (ie: enlargement of your thyroid gland).

Who is affected by Grave’s disease?

The disorder can occur in both males and females at any age, but it’s most common in women over the age of 20. Women are seven times more likely to develop Grave’s disease, according to the clinic. It usually manifests around the age of 20 and can be exacerbated by smoking, stress, and a family history of the disease.

What is the treatment for Grave’s disease?

It’s not possible to stop your immune system from attacking your thyroid gland, but treatment such as medication and even radiation can ease symptoms and limit the production of thyroxine.

What is the prognosis?

If the disease is left untreated, it can worsen and cause serious complications such as loss of vision and heart problems such as cardiovascular damage (due to the increased heart rate). In extreme cases, it can lead to death.

The good news is that most people respond well to treatment and often their physical symptoms lessen or disappear.