Missy Elliot: "I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease!"


Award-winning rapper-songwriter Missy Elliot has revealed on Friday that she is suffering from the autoimmune illness, graves’ disease which can affect a person's energy level and appearance.

She also clarified some false reports about her ailment and said her medical condition have not hurt her career as some news reports have stated.

Missy's full statement reads:

There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Graves' Disease, so I wanted to clear things up.

I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease about three years ago but it really hasn't slowed me down at all.

I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors' tribute to Timbaland last year.

I've written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan.

I toured the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. And on top of all that, I'm working on my new album.

I feel great. Under my doctor's supervision, I've been off medication for about a year and I'm completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”

According to reports, Missy has been battling the disease since 2008 and it already affects her thyroid.

I’m 30 pounds lighter because I’ve been exercising…My thyroid is functioning, so I haven’t had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life.”

Although there is no cure yet for graves' disease, it symptoms can still be managed with treatment.

CNN.com