The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that regulates metabolism and hormones in the body. When the thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone, it can cause various health conditions.
Thyroid conditions affect millions of people worldwide, with women being more susceptible than men.
Here are some of the notable individuals dealing with thyroid conditions:.
1. Oprah Winfrey
The world-famous media personality revealed in 2007 that she had been battling with hypothyroidism for several years. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to a slower metabolism, weight gain, and fatigue.
Oprah revealed that she had been misdiagnosed with depression for years before finally being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. She now takes medication to manage the condition and maintains a healthy lifestyle to keep her symptoms under control.
2. Sofia Vergara
The Colombian-American actress has been open about her battle with thyroid cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2000 at the age of 28 and underwent surgery to remove her thyroid gland.
After the surgery, Sofia takes hormone supplements to replace the missing thyroid hormones that her body can no longer produce.
Despite her diagnosis, Sofia has remained positive and focused on her thriving acting career and personal life. She has also become an advocate for thyroid health and cancer awareness, using her platform to raise awareness of the disease.
3. Gigi Hadid
The supermodel was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland, in 2016. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
Gigi’s diagnosis came after years of experiencing symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, hair loss, and brain fog. Since being diagnosed, the model has been able to manage her condition with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
She has also been open about her experience with Hashimoto’s disease and shared her journey with her millions of fans on social media.
4. Rod Stewart
The British singer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 and underwent surgery to remove his thyroid gland. After the surgery, Rod takes medication to manage his thyroid hormones.
The singer has remained active and energetic in his career and personal life, and regularly speaks out about the importance of early detection and diagnosis of cancer.
5. Kim Cattrall
The Sex and the City star was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, in the 1990s.
Kim initially dismissed her symptoms of weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat as signs of getting older, but eventually sought medical help and was diagnosed with the condition.
Kim has since been able to manage her condition with medication and regular check-ups, and has become an advocate for thyroid health and awareness.
6. Tarek El Moussa
The reality TV star, known for his show Flip or Flop, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013. Tarek underwent surgery to remove his thyroid gland and has been cancer-free since then. He now takes medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones.
Tarek has been a vocal advocate for thyroid cancer screening and early detection, and has used his platform to raise awareness of the disease.
7. Gina Rodriguez
The Jane the Virgin star was diagnosed with thyroid disease in 2019, a condition that affects the thyroid gland’s function. Gina’s diagnosis came after years of experiencing symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, and brain fog.
Since being diagnosed, Gina has been able to manage her condition with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Gina has also become an advocate for thyroid health and has used her platform to raise awareness of the disease and encourage others to seek help if they experience symptoms.
8. Missy Elliott
The rapper and producer revealed that she has been battling Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, since 2008. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States.
Missy has been able to manage her condition with medication and lifestyle changes and has continued to remain active in the music industry.
9. Rodger Berman
The husband of fashion designer Rachel Zoe was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011. After undergoing surgery to remove his thyroid gland, Rodger takes medication to replace the missing thyroid hormones.
Rodger has become an advocate for thyroid cancer screening and early detection and has used his platform to raise awareness of the disease.
10. Wendy Williams
The talk show host revealed in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. Wendy takes medication to manage her condition and has made a full recovery since her diagnosis.
Wendy has used her platform to raise awareness of thyroid conditions and encourage others to seek help if they experience symptoms.
Conclusion
Thyroid conditions affect millions of people worldwide and can cause a wide range of symptoms and health problems.
The individuals listed above have all dealt with thyroid conditions in different ways, but each has used their platform to raise awareness of the disease and advocate for thyroid health.
If you experience symptoms of thyroid conditions such as fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or anxiety, it’s essential to seek medical help and get a diagnosis and proper treatment.