Thyroid diseases are relatively common among the general population. It is estimated that about 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and the number continues to increase.
However, even celebrities and renowned personalities are not immune to these conditions. In this article, we will explore some of the famous people who have battled thyroid diseases and how they managed to overcome them.
Sofia Vergara
The Colombian-American actress and model had to undergo surgery to remove her thyroid gland in 2002 after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Vergara talked openly about her experience and how the diagnosis came as a shock to her.
She had a scar from the surgery that she proudly displayed during interviews, telling her fans that it was a mark of her strength and resilience.
Rod Stewart
The legendary British singer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 and had to undergo surgery to remove his thyroid gland. Stewart stated in interviews that he was determined to fight the disease and came out of the experience stronger than ever.
Jane Fonda
During the filming of her movie “The China Syndrome” in 1979, Fonda was diagnosed with a thyroid condition called hyperthyroidism. The condition caused her to lose a significant amount of weight and become extremely weak.
Fonda was forced to take a break from the film for a few weeks while she received treatment for her condition. She returned to the film after her treatment and went on to win an Academy Award for her performance.
George H.W. Bush
The 41st President of the United States was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease in 1991. The condition caused him to lose weight and become very weak.
Bush was successfully treated with medication and was able to continue his duties as President without interruption.
Renee Zellweger
The Oscar-winning actress revealed in 2011 that she had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
Zellweger stated that the condition had caused her to gain weight and feel constantly tired. She was able to manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes.
Sherri Shepherd
The former co-host of “The View” was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2007. The condition caused her to gain weight and feel sluggish. Shepherd managed the condition with medication and a healthy diet.
She later became an advocate for thyroid disease awareness and encouraged her fans to get regular thyroid checks.
Gina Rodriguez
The “Jane the Virgin” actress revealed in 2017 that she had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Rodriguez shared her experience with her fans on social media, stating that the condition had caused her to lose her hair and feel constantly tired. She managed the condition with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
Kim Cattrall
The “Sex and the City” actress revealed in 2019 that she had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism years earlier. Cattrall stated that the condition had caused her to feel anxious and lose weight.
She was able to manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes.
Oprah Winfrey
The media mogul revealed in 2007 that she had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Winfrey stated that the condition had caused her to gain weight and feel tired. She was able to manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes.
Catherine Bell
The “JAG” and “Army Wives” actress was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2015. Bell underwent surgery to remove her thyroid gland and stated that the experience had changed her life.
She encouraged her fans to get regular check-ups and be proactive about their health.
Conclusion
Thyroid diseases are relatively common and can affect anyone, even famous personalities. However, with proper management and treatment, thyroid diseases can be overcome.
These celebrities are a reminder that we should all take our health seriously and make sure we get regular check-ups and screenings.