Laura Dundovic has revealed why 2023 was the worst year of her life.
The 36-year-old model, who won Miss Universe Australia in 2008, told Sunday Confidential that she had struggled with several health issues over the past 12 months and even found out she had a genetic disorder.
“Earlier this year I fell in Bali and it took eight weeks for the injury to heal. Then it healed and I broke my toe,” she told the publication.
Things got worse when Laura tripped on the sidewalk while training for a marathon.
“It turned out I had a broken ankle. That ended up being three months of healing.”
Laura, who also suffered a car accident when her vehicle was struck by a bus, was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that can damage the thyroid.
Laura Dundovic, 36 (pictured), told Sunday Confidential this weekend that she has struggled with several health problems over the past 12 months and even discovered she had a genetic disorder
With 2023 now behind her, Laura says she is optimistic about what 2024 will bring.
I'm really going to take care of myself. “I'm a perfectionist, so I really want to make sure that my mental health and taking care of it is my priority,” she said.
She also told the publication that she hopes to find love in 2024 after her shocking split from soccer star Quade Cooper in 2020.
What is Hashimoto's disease?
Hashimoto's disease, also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease.
It usually causes low levels of thyroid hormone in the body (hypothyroidism).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, low mood, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, an enlarged thyroid, and low libido.
There is no cure for Hashimoto's disease, but hypothyroidism can be treated with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medications.
Source: Health Direct
According to The Daily Telegraph, the couple had been together for five years before splitting up and had been “on and off” for months before deciding to call it quits.
Since rising to fame in the beauty pageant world, Laura has maintained her position in the public eye through appearances on television shows such as I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and dating in the dark.
She is also a successful influencer and is considered one of Sydney's most glamorous celebrities.
With 2023 now behind her, Laura says she is optimistic about what 2024 will bring
Laura Dundovic Quade Cooper