Teddi Mellencamp and 8 Other Real Housewives Who Have Faced Serious Health Battles
The Real Housewives franchise is known for its drama, glamour, and extravagant lifestyles. However, behind the glitz, many cast members have faced serious health challenges, proving that even reality TV stars are not immune to life’s hardships. From chronic illnesses to life-threatening diagnoses, these Housewives have bravely shared their health battles with the world.
Yolanda Hadid ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’
One of the most well-documented health journeys in Real Housewives history is Yolanda Hadid’s battle with Lyme disease. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was diagnosed in 2012 and has since become a vocal advocate for Lyme disease awareness.
Yolanda chronicled her debilitating symptoms on the show, showcasing the severe impact the disease had on her daily life. She even underwent multiple treatments across the globe in search of relief.
Tamra Judge ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’
Tamra Judge, a longtime cast member of The Real Housewives of Orange County, has faced her own health battles, including a melanoma diagnosis.
Tamra has been outspoken about the importance of early detection, urging fans to get regular skin checks. In 2017, she revealed her diagnosis through an Instagram post, encouraging others to take sun protection seriously.
Teddi Mellencamp ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’
Teddi Mellencamp, another former RHOBH star, has also been open about her skin cancer diagnosis. In 2022, she revealed she was diagnosed with Stage 2 melanoma after her dermatologist noticed an abnormal mole. Teddi has since undergone multiple procedures to remove cancerous spots and continues to raise awareness about the importance of skin checks and sun safety.
In February 2025, she announced that doctors had discovered multiple brain tumors that had been developing for the previous six months.
NeNe Leakes ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’
NeNe Leakes, a staple of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, faced a pulmonary embolism that led to blood clots in her lungs. She also faced heartbreak when her husband, Gregg Leakes, was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2018. He initially went into remission, but the cancer returned, and he died in 2021.
Bethenny Frankel ‘Real Housewives of New York’
The Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel has battled multiple health issues, including a life-threatening fish allergy. She suffered a severe allergic reaction in 2018 that nearly killed her.
More recently, Bethenny opened up about her diagnosis with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that affects circulation and can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations.
Vicki Gunvalson ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’
Vicki Gunvalson, an OG of The Real Housewives of Orange County, revealed in 2021 that she had secretly battled uterine cancer. She chose to keep her diagnosis private at the time but later shared her experience, explaining that she underwent a hysterectomy as part of her treatment.
Dina Manzo ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’
Dina Manzo, formerly of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, has been vocal about her experience with autoimmune disorders, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. These conditions have caused her significant pain and exhaustion, but Dina has focused on holistic healing and lifestyle changes to manage her symptoms.
Jackie Goldschneider ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’
Jackie Goldschneider has been incredibly open about her decades-long battle with an eating disorder. The RHONJ star revealed that she dealt with anorexia for most of her adult life and sought professional help to recover. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to seek help and prioritize their health.
Leah McSweeney ‘Real Housewives of New York’
Leah McSweeney has been candid about her experience with bipolar disorder, which she was diagnosed with as a young adult. The RHONY star has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of therapy, medication, and self-care in managing her condition.
