Heather Rae El Moussa Initially Attributed Symptoms to 'Mom Brain' Prior to Autoimmune Disorder Diagnosis

Heather Rae El Moussa. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Heather Rae El Moussa initially believed that she was experiencing "mom brain" after giving birth four months ago. However, it turned out that her symptoms were actually caused by an autoimmune disorder. In an interview with TODAY.com, published on Thursday, October 26, El Moussa shared that she told her assistant, "I feel like I'm dead." She described feeling mentally exhausted and physically tired, being constantly exhausted despite getting enough sleep.

Heather Rae and her husband Tarek El Moussa joyfully celebrated the arrival of their first child, Tristan, in January. Alongside this new addition to their family, Tarek, aged 42, is also a father to Taylor, 13, and Brayden, 8, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Christina Hall.

Despite just giving birth to Tristan, who is now 9 months old, Heather Rae was determined to resume her work filming the reality shows Selling Sunset and The Flipping El Moussas. However, the experience proved to be grueling as she struggled to even get out of bed.

Heather Rae reflected, "I thought it was just due to mom brain, feeling a bit unfocused."

Along with her persistent exhaustion, Heather Rae couldn't help but notice the fluctuating levels of her milk supply, four months after giving birth. One day, she would effortlessly pump out 6 ounces of milk, only to struggle to produce half an ounce the next. Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant, the successful real estate mogul opted to undergo some blood tests.

Heather Rae was left in utter disbelief when her doctor revealed that her pregnancy had sparked Hashimoto's disease, ultimately leading to a decrease in her breast milk production. Hashimoto's disease, as per the Mayo Clinic, is an autoimmune condition that impacts the thyroid gland. Common symptoms of this disorder encompass fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and various other issues.

Following her diagnosis, she received prescribed medication for the illness and has experienced significant improvement in her condition since seeking treatment.

In a recent disclosure, Heather Rae revealed that she has stopped breastfeeding her son as he displayed a lack of interest in it.

"8 1/2 months after giving birth, I find myself in a bittersweet situation. My heart is filled with love, but my motherly instinct feels a tinge of sadness as my eldest son has expressed his disinterest in breastfeeding. As a new mother, breastfeeding became a cherished experience that I grew to adore. The bond it created, the closeness of our skin, the precious cuddles - all these moments made it difficult for me to even consider stopping."