Leona Lewis’ Hashimoto's disease explained including symptoms and changes to body

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Former X Factor winner Leona Lewis has announced she’s expecting her first child with husband Dennis Jauch.The glowing singer, 36, shared the happy news on her Instagram on Wednesday.The star posted a fabulous shot of herself dressed in a figure-hugging black dress to show off her blossoming bump, and captioned the photo: “Can’t wait to meet you in the summer.” It’s an exciting time for Leona, who’s recently splashed out on a rustic Hollywood home.The mum-to-be looks the picture of health, but in 2017 she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease.

Here, we explain what her thyroid condition means and hear from an OK! Writer who has the condition… What is Hashimoto’s disease It’s an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland - that butterfly-shaped gland at the bottom of your neck (below the Adam’s apple, if you’re a man).

Our thyroid gland pumps out hormones to help keep our bodily functions (like our metabolism) running smoothly. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune-system attacks the thyroid’s hormone producing cells, causing hypothyroidism - basically a drop in hormones.

Anyone can develop it, but it’s most common among middle-aged women. Download the OK! App today Keep up-to-date with all the very latest celebrity, health, beauty, parenting and entertainment news with the OK!