Julia Roberts with her beautiful smile and magnetic presence has captured the hearts of millions for several decades now. And not to forget her several iconic roles from Pretty Woman to Erin Brockovich, that truly showcased her remarkable acting abilities. The latter also bagged her an Academy Award, adding to the several accolades already in her cabinet. But behind this success and fame, the actress was dealing with a major health condition.

Julia Roberts in Notting Hill | Credits: Universal Pictures

Not just for one or two years, but she’s been dealing with Thrombocytopenic Purpura for almost two decades now. It’s a rare blood disorder, and in this article, we will take a closer look at what it is and its symptoms as well as causes.

What Is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Julia Roberts first got alarmed by this rare disorder when her husband, Daniel Moder noticed several bruises on her body. He then asked her to visit a doctor and get the same checked. After some tests, she was diagnosed with Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). It is a rare and serious hematological disorder characterized by the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body.

Julia Roberts in Step Mom | Credits; Sony Pictures Releasing

These clots can impede circulation to critical organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, leading to a variety of health issues. As the body produces more clots, it depletes its supply of platelets (cells vital for normal blood clotting). This depletion can result in symptoms such as unusual bruising, spontaneous bleeding, and the formation of tiny red or purple spots, known as petechiae, on the skin.

The name “thrombotic” refers to the clots that form, while “thrombocytopenic” indicates the reduced number of platelets in circulation. “Purpura” describes the purplish discolorations seen on the skin due to bleeding. TTP requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications and safeguard the affected organs.

What Are the Different Types of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) comes in two primary forms: inherited and acquired. Inherited TTP is caused by genetic mutations, specifically in the ADAMTS13 gene, and is passed down from parents to their children. This form of TTP is present from birth due to the malfunctioning gene.

Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich | Credits: Universal Pictures

On the other hand, acquired TTP occurs later in life and is far more common. In this type, the body’s immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that interfere with the ADAMTS13 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood clotting. Without proper enzyme function, abnormal clotting can occur, leading to the symptoms of TTP.

Who Is at Risk for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?

Julia Roberts in Notting Hill | Credits: Universal Pictures

This disorder can impact individuals of any age, though it is most frequently seen in adults between 20 and 50 years old. In some cases, TTP may be linked to certain conditions, such as pregnancy or collagen-vascular disorders, which affect the body’s connective tissues. Additionally, people living with HIV are at a higher risk of developing TTP.

In terms of prevalence, TTP is considered a rare condition, affecting around 4 in 100,000 people annually. Its rarity makes early diagnosis and treatment especially important.

Does Julia Roberts Have Throat Cancer?

Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich | Credits: Universal Pictures

Julia Roberts is quite famous for her string of highly successful movies. But since the last decade, her health has been a huge concern for her loved ones as well as her fans. While she’s dealing with TTP for several years, most recently there have been several searches online. With people enquiring if she has throat cancer or not.

In reality, the actress doesn’t have throat cancer, but she did lose both of her parents due to this deadly disease. Her father Walter Grady Roberts died from throat cancer at the age of 44, when the actress was just 10 years old. And then she lost her mother in 2015 due to lung cancer, at the age of 80.