What is Kelly Clarkson's autoimmune disease?

Author: Prof. Carmen Marks DVM  |  Last update: Monday, July 14, 2025

Before she launched her popular talk show and became a judge on The Voice, American Idol winner and singer/songwriter Kelly Clarkson shared her Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism diagnosis in 2018.

What is the root cause of Hashimoto's disease?

It is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. The disease begins slowly. It may take months or even years for the condition to be detected and for thyroid hormone levels to become lower than normal. Hashimoto disease is most common in people with a family history of thyroid disease.

What autoimmune disease causes weight gain?

Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid gland. It can cause lower-than-normal levels of thyroid hormone in your body. This affects several areas of your body and causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and constipation.

What celebrities have Hashimoto's disease?

Other notable stars who have talked about their Hashimoto's hypothyroidism include Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Cattrall, Jillian Michaels, Mary-Louise Parker, Zoe Saldana, Gigi Hadid, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Victoria Justice, and Molly Sims.

What are the worst symptoms of Hashimoto's?

Symptoms
  • Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding.
  • Depression.
  • Problems with memory or concentration.
  • Swelling of the thyroid (goiter)
  • A puffy face.
  • Brittle nails.
  • Hair loss.
  • Enlargement of the tongue.

Is autoimmune disease tied to trauma? Doctor shares insight

What is the one thing you should be eating for your thyroid every morning?

1. Traditional Eggs or Egg Muffin Cups. Eggs are a great source of not only iodine but also selenium, another crucial nutrient for thyroid health. Pastured eggs contain more nutrients than conventional eggs.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Hashimoto's disease?

Is Hashimoto's disease fatal? With treatment, people with Hashimoto's disease can have a normal life expectancy. It is sometimes comorbid with other autoimmune disorders, which may cause different issues. Untreated Hashimoto's disease can lead to damage to your heart, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Does Oprah have Hashimoto's?

Perhaps the most famous person with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is talk-show host, magazine publisher, and actress Oprah Winfrey. In 2007, Winfrey disclosed her diagnosis on her show and in “O” magazine. In her article “Giving Myself a Month Off,” described her battle with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism.

What disease does Kelly Clarkson have?

Clarkson has spoken before about her thyroid and autoimmune issues and trying to lose weight to address them.

What drugs trigger autoimmune disease?

Associated Medications
  • Sulfadiazine.
  • Hydralazine.
  • Procainamide.
  • Isoniazid.
  • Methyldopa.
  • Quinidine.
  • Minocycline.
  • Chlorpromazine.

What diseases cause rapid weight gain?

Conditions That Can Cause Weight Gain
  • 1/13. Hypothyroidism. ...
  • 2/13. Depression. ...
  • 3/13. Insomnia. ...
  • 4/13. Menopause. ...
  • 5/13. Cushing's Disease. ...
  • 6/13. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. ...
  • 7/13. Congestive Heart Failure. ...
  • 8/13. Sleep Apnea.

What does a Hashimoto's flare-up feel like?

While symptoms can vary, there are many reported signs of a Hashimoto's flare-up, including: Fatigue. Cold intolerance. Constipation.

What supplements should you not take with Hashimoto's?

Moreover, supplements like iron and calcium can interfere with the absorption of prescribed thyroid medications, complicating treatment. Biotin may lead to inaccurate thyroid function test results, while excessive selenium poses risks of toxicity.

Which organ is affected by Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto's disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition – immune system cells attack the thyroid gland, and the resulting inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue reduces the thyroid's ability to make hormones.

What can be mistaken for Hashimoto's?

As a result, Hashimoto's can easily be mistaken for other conditions, including but not limited to:
  • Menopause.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Did Sofia Vergara have her thyroid removed?

Yes, Sofía Vergara was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 at the age of 28. The cancer was discovered during a routine check-up when her doctor found a lump in her neck. She underwent a thyroidectomy to remove her thyroid and radioactive iodine therapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Can I reverse Hashimoto's?

The ultimate answer is No, but it can certainly control the thyroid function and symptoms. If the thyroid function is normal, then many patients will feel well. Although the thyroid antibodies are still elevated, normal thyroid function may resolve many of the hypothyroid symptoms they were experiencing.

Is Hashimoto's like lupus?

Both lupus and Hashimoto's disease are immune system disorders, and people with lupus commonly have thyroid issues. Hashimoto's disease directly affects your thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism, while lupus impacts multiple organ systems in your body.

Does Hashimoto's get worse as you age?

Hashimoto's disease tends to worsen with age because it is progressive. The disease generally progresses slowly over many years and can cause progressive damage to the thyroid glands. Additionally, it is expected that those with Hashimoto's disease will eventually get hypothyroidism, though this is not always the case.

What does someone look like with Hashimoto's disease?

The first sign of the disease is often an enlarged thyroid called a goiter. The goiter may cause the front of your neck to look swollen. A large goiter may make swallowing difficult.

What is the best thing to do for Hashimoto's disease?

Most people with Hashimoto's disease take medication to treat hypothyroidism. If you have mild hypothyroidism, you may have no treatment but get regular TSH tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels.

What is a thyroid crash at 3pm?

The afternoon crash means your blood sugar has dropped too low for your brain and body to function normally, causing you to become drowsy, mentally foggy, tired, and unmotivated. Unstable blood sugar is notorious for making it difficult to manage an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Which vitamin is not good for the thyroid?

Iodine in particular is really tricky to navigate. In those with thyroid disorders, iodine can be low or high. However, taking an iodine supplement (without your doctor's recommendation) can impact your thyroid negatively. Do not start an iodine supplement without discussing with your doctor first.

How to lose 20 pounds with hypothyroidism?

6 Weight Loss Tips for Hypothyroidism
  1. Cut Out Simple Carbs and Sugars. ...
  2. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods. ...
  3. Stick to Small, Frequent Meals. ...
  4. Keep a Food Diary. ...
  5. Move Your Body. ...
  6. Take Thyroid Medication as Directed.

Previous article
What to wear in extreme heat?
Next article
Will 50 pushups a day do anything?