Once one of the top women of hip-hop, Missy Elliott has been away from the music scene for the last three years. The entertainer believes the time is right to reveal that she has been battling Graves’ disease.
The autoimmune illness that causes an overactive thyroid was diagnosed in 2008. Her motor skills have been dramatically affected, and she has had to cope with dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, mood swings, hair loss and a rapid heart beat.
In the latest issue of People magazine, Missy admits the disease will be with her for the rest of her life. The upside is that after receiving radiation and other medications, she is now feeling so much better that she is able to get back to her music. She will be producing a comeback album with the help of Timbaland.
“I’m 30 pounds lighter because I have been exercising. My thyroid is functioning, so I haven’t had to take the medication in about nine months.”
VH1’s Behind the Music will featuring the hip-hop star’s rocky road to stardom on June 29.
Photo: WENN