Steve Jobs Blames "Hormone Imbalance"

Apple and Steve Jobs have come forth to address growing concerns over the CEO's health, his withdrawal from MacWorld and rumors he might need to be replaced. The statement posted earlier this morning blames a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” Jobs of the proteins his body needs to be healthy.

As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause—a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.

I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.

Apple has faced serious pressure to answer the mounting rumors over Jobs' health. Investors have seen stocks fall on sheer speculation that the popular CEO might be sick. Back in October shares were hit particularly hard, falling over 10% when a teen posted a fake story about Jobs having a heart attack. More recently shares fell as much as 6.5% when it was announced Jobs wouldn't be giving his usual MacWorld keynote speech.

Following today's announcement shares of Apple were up as much as 5%, and closed out the day up 4.22% at $94.58/share.