What is Graves' disease? Missy Elliott struggling with condition since 2008

Sebastian Bozon/Getty

Missy Elliott performs on stage during the 22nd edition of the Eurockeennes Music Festival in Belfort, eastern France, on July 2 2009.

Missy Elliott isn't hiding anymore ? she's admitting to the world that she's been battling Graves' disease.

The 39-year-old rapper and producer has confirmed that she's been coping with the effects of the autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid and interferes with the patient's metabolic rate.

The disease can affect the body on the inside and out, according to the Mayo Clinic.� Sufferers may experience intense fatigue, brittle hair, weight loss, tremor and in Elliott's case, ophthalmopathy, bulging eyes due to swollen tissue.

While Graves' disease is rarely deadly in itself, the complications can be extremely serious.� Patients may experience rapid heart rate and congestive heart failure. Patients� also can experience very brittle bones due to the thyroid's inability to use calcium correctly.

Graves' disease: Olympic champion Gail Devers and actress Faith Ford have been treated. (Ron Antonelli/News; Michal Simon/FilmMagic)

Women are seven times more likely to develop Graves', according to the� clinic. It usually manifests around the age of 20 and can be exacerbated by smoking, stress and a family history of the disease.

Patients are often treated with Beta blockers to relieve the hyperthyroid symptoms, radioactive iodine and other anti-thyroid medications.

There is no cure.

The disease ? which Elliott was diagnosed with in 2008 ? first began affecting her motor skills, followed by a string of symptoms: dizzy spells, lumps in her throat, mood swings, hair loss, a fast heart rate and bulging eyes, according to People.

But after undergoing radiation combined with medication, she's back and feeling better.

"I'm 30 pounds lighter because I've been exercising," said Elliott. "My thyroid is functioning, so I haven't had to take medication in about nine months."

Other people of note who have struggled with Graves' disease include Olympic athlete Gail Devers, the actress Faith Ford, mob informant Sammy� (The Bull)� Gravano and former President George H.W. Bush, who was diagnosed in 1991.

Source: http://feeds.nydailynews.com/~r/nydnrss/gossip/~3/cpvofSLLFtg/2011-06-24_what_is_graves_disease_missy_elliott_comfirms_she_has_autoimmune_ailment_that_at.html

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