Female rapper/singer Missy Elliot made a statement this past week on her diagnosis of Graves’ Disease – an autoimmune disorder that is caused by an over-active thyroid.  Elliot began displaying symptoms of the disease back in 2008, but has confirmed the illness to the public  just recently.

It has been reported that her absence from the music scene was due to her ill condition, however, the hip-hop singer/lyricist testifies that this is absolutely not true.  In a statement, Elliot says,

“There have been some inaccuracies reported in regards to my diagnosis with Graves’ Disease, so I wanted to clear things up,” she said in statement. “I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease about three years ago but it really hasn’t slowed me down at all.

“I rocked my performance on VH1 Hip Hop Honors’ tribute to Timbaland last year. I’ve written and produced a bunch of Grammy-nominated, #1 hits for artists like Keyshia Cole, Monica and Jasmine Sullivan. I toured the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. And on top of all that, I’m working on my new album.”

Sounds like Missy is about her business, despite her condition. She goes on to say,

“I feel great. Under my doctor’s supervision, I’ve been off medication for about a year and I’m completely managing the condition through diet and exercise.”

Graves disease is most common in women over 20-years old, and only affects about 2% of the female population, but the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.

Get well Missy…there are plenty of people looking forward to your return…