Joanna Page, best known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, has been battling serious health issues behind the scenes. The actress, who also starred in Love Actually, revealed she suffered from chronic fatigue and constant shivering.
Speaking to Wales Online, the mum-of-four said: “I constantly felt like I was in slow motion all the time.” She added: “I just had no energy. “I’d get out of bed, load the washing machine, and then be so drained I’d have to sit around staring into space for the rest of the day. I was continually freezing cold. I’d have the central heating on full blast, be wearing three layers of clothing including thermals, and my husband James would have to walk around in shorts because it was so hot in the house,” reports the Mirror.
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
After seeking medical advice, Joanna was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and now takes medication daily. The Gavin and Stacey star admitted that when she once forgot to take her medication, her symptoms came “roaring back.”
The NHS explains that an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Typical signs of this condition include fatigue, weight gain and feelings of depression.
(Image: Tom Jackson/PA Wire)
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can often mimic those of other conditions and they tend to develop gradually, so it’s possible you might not notice them for years. For instance, if you’re at an age where menopause could be expected, you might mistakenly think you’ve started the menopause instead of having an underactive thyroid.
The treatment for this condition involves taking daily hormone replacement tablets, named levothyroxine, to increase your thyroxine levels. Regular blood tests will be conducted until the right dose is determined.
Once the correct dose is established, you’ll typically have a blood test once a year to keep an eye on your hormone levels. People usually require treatment for the rest of their lives, but they are often able to lead a normal, healthy life.
Gavin and Stacey fans are bursting with excitement as the final episode is set to air today (Christmas Day) on BBC One at 9pm. It comes five years after Nessa got down on one knee declared her love for Smithy by asking him to marry her, and a lot has happened since.
It’s also been teased that fans may find out what went down on that fishing trip once and for all…
View news Source: https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/gavin-stacey-star-reveals-invisible-34373880
