hormone imbalance: Steve Jobs says he has a 'hormone imbalance'

The mystery surrounding Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) Chief Executive Steve Jobs continues.

After several blogs reported last week that Jobs, who has battled pancreatic cancer, was ill again, the mercurial executive decided to come clean, especially since he decided to take a pass on the mammoth Macworld conference. At least, sort of.

In a highly unusual "letter" to "Apple Community", Jobs said that doctors have found a hormone imbalance that was "robbing" him of proteins his body needs to be healthy.

"The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment," Jobs said in a statement. "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."


Jobs' statement seemed to reassure Apple investors who pushed shares of the iPod and Mac maker up in pre-market action. I am not sure whether the hoopla is justified. The Apple CEO does not explain what caused the hormone imbalance and I lack sufficient medical background to speculate on what may be causing it.

The disclosure is nothing short of extraordinary. A few months ago Jobs refused to tell Joseph Nocera of the New York Times what was wrong with him other than to say his cancer did not reoccur. Under Jobs' direction, Apple keeps a tighter lid on information than the CIA. But even Apple cannot isolate itself from public opinion.

Of course, Apple's board issued a statement backing Jobs. I am sure the members do not want to contemplate Apple without him. Neither do investors.

At a time when Apple -- like everyone else -- experienced a horrendous holiday season, shareholders can relax knowing that the visionary who lead the company to greatness is still in charge. At least for now.


Source: bloggingstocks.com