Wendy Williams, 55, is taking time off from her talk show due to health issues surrounding her Graves’ disease.
“Wendy has been dealing with symptoms from her Graves’ disease, which is causing fatigue,” said a spokesperson for the Wendy Williams Show.
The spokesperson told PEOPLE, “In consultation with her doctor and as a precautionary measure, she will be taking some time off as she continues to receive treatment. We look forward to welcoming Wendy back soon and continuing the Wendy@Home shows.”
It is unclear when Williams will return to the show.
In 2018, Williams revealed to PEOPLE about her disease, explaining she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism 19 years ago. However, she said she was feeling much better after taking some time for herself.
At the time, Williams said, “I feel a hundred percent better than I was a few months ago. I had a storm going in my body is the best way I can explain it.”
“It came from me neglecting my six-month endocrinology appointment,” she added. “I have Graves’ disease and hyperthyroid. If you have one you don’t necessarily have to have the other, but I have both, and I was diagnosed with both 19 years ago.”
Williams explained at the time that her health situation “was pretty bad” before taking a hiatus from the show. However, she did not necessarily think her symptoms had anything to do with her thyroid. She said her mood swings were associated with her menopause.
“With the menopause, I wasn’t pointing a finger to any particular thing,” she said. “I was just feeling like ‘All right, well I’m 53 and this is I guess how it’s supposed to be.’”
Williams continued, “Even in October when I passed out on Halloween, that particular day when the EMTs got there I had high blood pressure, which I never have high blood pressure.”
“I love doing the show, but I love me more. So I’m going to take care of me, so I can be there for them.”
Williams first took a break from her show in February 2018 and then came back in March. In January 2019, she took a six-week leave of absence after fracturing her shoulder. She returned in March 2019, revealing she had been quietly focusing on her sobriety.
She said her now ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, was the only person who knew she was seeking treatment.
In January, Williams confirmed that she and Hunter are “fully divorced.” She said, “After nine months, yes, I am fully divorced. A door has closed in old life; the new chapter has been so lovely.”
