HGTV’s Heather El Moussa Diagnosed Serious Disease. Here’s what happened

Heather El Moussa, the new mother who co-stars alongside her husband, Tarek El Moussa, in the popular HGTV series “The Flipping El Moussas,” opened up about a personal health challenge on October 26, 2023. She revealed that she had been quietly grappling with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that can affect the thyroid gland.

Heather, aged 36, disclosed to Today.com that her battle with Hashimoto’s began during her pregnancy with her and Tarek’s son, Tristan, who was born in January 2023. Initially, she was unaware of the root cause of her symptoms, which ranged from extreme exhaustion to a significant reduction in her milk supply, affecting her postpartum experience.

As she looked back on those challenging times, Heather shared, “I remember saying to my assistant, ‘I feel like I’m dead.'” This powerful revelation underscores the physical and emotional toll that health challenges can have on new mothers and highlights the importance of raising awareness about conditions like Hashimoto’s disease. In sharing her story, Heather El Moussa not only seeks to shed light on her personal struggles but also offers support and understanding to others who may be facing similar health issues.

Heather El Moussa Says She Thought Her Exhaustion & Brain Fog Was the Result of Becoming a New Mom

At four months of age, baby Tristan’s mother, Heather, encountered a distressing development while breastfeeding. Her previously consistent milk supply took a sudden, alarming dive. One day, she went from pumping a substantial six ounces to a mere half an ounce, a startling and disheartening change, as she recounted in her conversation with Today. Moreover, she was grappling with overwhelming fatigue that seemed insurmountable, making her involvement in the family’s home flipping television show alongside her husband, Tarek, a grueling endeavor.

Heather described her physical and mental state during this challenging period, stating, “My brain was so tired. My body was so tired. I was exhausted all the time, and no amount of sleep seemed to alleviate it. Filming became an incredibly demanding task because I could barely muster the energy to get out of bed.”

Seeking help and guidance, Heather turned to her lactation consultant, whom she had been consulting since shortly after Tristan’s birth. Initially, they sought assistance when Tristan was struggling to latch due to a tongue-tie condition. The lactation consultant recommended that Heather undergo some comprehensive blood work to investigate the underlying causes of her health issues.

The shocking revelation came when Heather received a call from her doctor. It was then that she learned she had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a life-altering autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. This unexpected diagnosis left Heather in a state of profound shock and uncertainty, further emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding when it comes to autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s. Heather’s story highlights the resilience and determination required to overcome such unexpected health challenges, offering support and inspiration to others who may find themselves in similar situations.

Heather El Moussa Joins Other Celebrities Who’ve Been Diagnosed With Hashimoto’s Disease: About the Disorder

Hashimoto’s disease is a type of autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the thyroid gland. As described by the Mayo Clinic, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple, and plays a crucial role in producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions. In cases of Hashimoto’s disease, the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells are attacked by the immune system, leading to a decline in hormone production, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of this disorder encompass fatigue, cognitive difficulties, muscle weakness, depression, swelling, and more. Heather El Moussa, in her interview with Today, disclosed that her doctors attributed the change in her milk supply to the impact of Hashimoto’s disease on her thyroid.

Treatment for Hashimoto’s disease typically involves the use of prescription medication, with Mayo Clinic indicating that it is often managed through a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine. Heather mentioned that she has experienced significant improvements in her health since commencing this treatment, showcasing the potential for effective management of the condition.

Notably, Heather joins a group of notable individuals in the entertainment industry who have publicly discussed their battles with Hashimoto’s disease in recent years. This list, as noted by Women’s Health, includes supermodel Gigi Hadid, actress Gina Rodriguez, singer Leona Lewis, and “Guardians of the Galaxy” star Zoe Saldana. By sharing their experiences, these celebrities contribute to raising awareness about autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s and offer inspiration to others who may be confronting similar health challenges.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that before Heather and Tarek El Moussa were married, Tarek was diagnosed with a different autoimmune disorder, celiac disease, which causes adverse reactions to gluten in the body. This diagnosis was revealed in an episode of his show, “Flipping 101,” in 2021, with Heather by his side. She expressed her concerns on Instagram at the time, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in managing his health due to his history of cancer. This revelation underscored the couple’s commitment to each other’s well-being and underscored the significance of knowledge and support when facing health-related uncertainties.