Why was Wendy Williams hospitalized? Her battle with Graves' disease & medical history explained

Wendy Williams, a well-known television personality, has been open about her struggles with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.

The condition causes the thyroid gland to produce too many thyroid hormones, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including weight loss, anxiety, heat intolerance, tremors, and heart palpitations.

Wendy Williams was hospitalized due to complications related to her Graves disease. That has brought attention to the condition and its impact on those who suffer from it.

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Why was Wendy Williams hospitalized?

Wendy Williams was hospitalized after experiencing complications related to her Graves disease. She was initially admitted to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation after experiencing symptoms related to her mental health.

Williams has experienced many difficulties in recent years. A highly publicized cheating scandal with her now ex-husband and appearances in rehab for addiction issues to a slew of other health issues like Graves' disease has resulted in the end of her daytime career in 2022.

However, as Wendy Williams plans her return with a new podcast, she has stepped out and opened up about her weight amid her numerous health concerns.

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What is Graves' disease?

Graves' disease is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide and is more common in women than in men.

The condition is caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which produces too many thyroid hormones. This hormone affects many functions in the body, including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

People with Graves' disease often experience symptoms like weight loss, tremors, anxiety, heat intolerance, and heart palpitations.

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Symptoms of Graves' disease

Symptoms include vision change (Image via Sergei Starostin/ Pexels)

They can vary among individuals, but common symptoms include:

1. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
2. Tremors or shaking
3. Nervousness or anxiety
4. Weight loss despite increased appetite
5. Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
6. Fatigue and weakness
7. Insomnia
8. Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
9. Vision changes, including double vision or bulging of the eyes (exophthalmos)
10. Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

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Causes of Graves' disease

Researchers are unsure what causes autoimmune conditions such as Graves' disease.

Something causes the immune system to overproduce thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSI) connects to nutrient-dense thyroid cells, causing the pituitary gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.

The attack could be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and external conditions like:

• Stress.
• Virus/infection
• Stress.

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Treatment of Graves' disease

Treatment options may include:

1. Antithyroid drugs: Medications like methimazole or propylthiouracil can be used to reduce production of thyroid hormones. These drugs may be used for several months to a year or longer, depending on the severity of the hyperthyroidism.
2. Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland and destroys cells that produce thyroid hormones. This treatment may result in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and may require lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
3. Surgery: Surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be an option in cases where antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine therapy are not effective or appropriate.
4. Beta-blockers: Medications like propranolol can be used to manage the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate and tremors.

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Wendy Williams' hospitalization is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing one's health and seeking medical attention when needed.

It also highlights the challenges of managing a chronic condition like Graves' disease, which can have a significant impact on a person's life. However, with proper treatment and self-care, many people with Graves' disease are able to manage their condition and live fully healthy lives