Actress Christina Applegate, 54, is investigating the possibility that her breast implants may be contributing to her pain and exhaustion, following the revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021.
During the November 10 episode of MeSsy, the podcast she co-hosts with fellow actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate, who became well-known as a teenager from the popular sitcom Married With Children, mentioned that she recently received a study indicating that symptoms related to breast implants could mimic those of MS.
“I swear, for the past five years or so, I’ve thought, ‘What if they’re leaking and poisoning me?'” she expressed, adding that she intends to discuss this concern with her healthcare providers.
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In 2008, Applegate underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer and found to carry a BRCA1 gene mutation, which heightens the risk for breast and other cancers. On her podcast, she remarked that she is “way overdue” for replacing her implants.
She has also described experiencing escalating pain and challenges with mobility in her right shoulder, stating that it can take her at least ten minutes to sit up and get out of bed. She finds these symptoms overwhelming because “there are so many different things that could be going on.”
Applegate’s inquiry follows a confirmation from doctors in October that she does not have MS. At that time, she expressed that the news brought her back to “Square 1.” Her physical challenges persist, and she is undergoing tests for other potential conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
While the origins of Applegate’s symptoms remain unclear, there have been reported associations between breast implants and illness in certain cases, though the underlying condition is not fully understood.
What is known about breast implant illness
Breast implant illness, or BII, refers to symptoms experienced by some individuals with implants, such as fatigue, cognitive changes, joint pain, and muscle pain. This image features a Biocell textured breast implant by Allergan. (Nicolas Amaya/CBC)
Breast implant illness, or BII, is a term used for symptoms reported by certain individuals with implants.
As of December 31, 2025, Health Canada had documented 663 reports of symptoms or illnesses associated with breast implants, translating to approximately one report for every 1,025 implants sold in Canada.
The most commonly reported symptom was fatigue, followed by mood alterations, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive changes. These are reports, not confirmed diagnoses: Health Canada indicates that the available data cannot definitively establish whether implants caused the symptoms, which could stem from other factors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that BII is not a recognized medical diagnosis and lacks a specific testing method. Reports of symptoms such as fatigue and joint issues do not clarify their frequency or whether implants are the cause.
Julie Elliott, a Canadian advocate for breast implant illness and implant-related cancer through the Breast Implant Safety Alliance, who has experienced health issues following breast augmentation, informed CBC News that some symptoms reported by individuals with implants can overlap with those of MS.
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“Chronic fatigue, memory changes, concentration difficulties, numbness, tingling, nerve pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, and similar symptoms — these are closely related to MS symptoms,” Elliott stated.
However, she cautioned against prematurely attributing Applegate’s symptoms to her implants. “I’m not suggesting that Christina Applegate’s breast implants are the cause of her issues,” she clarified, adding that it would be “premature and irresponsible” to draw such conclusions.
“Similar symptoms do not automatically imply the same diagnosis,” Elliott noted. “Nothing should be disregarded or ruled out without adequate medical examination.”
Christina Applegate, left, arrives for the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023. (Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images)
Dr. Stephen Nicolaidis, a plastic surgeon in Montreal who has treated over 1,500 patients for implant removal, also stressed the importance of investigating other potential causes.
He characterized BII as a “diagnosis of exclusion,” where patients need to undergo comprehensive evaluations, and if no other causes are identified, the possibility that the implants may be contributing to the issues should be considered.
Nicolaidis noted that common symptoms he encounters include fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, joint and muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and cognitive fog. Some of these can overlap with symptoms linked to autoimmune disorders.
Based on the symptoms Applegate has publicly shared, he remarked, “Those symptoms she described could indeed be connected to her breast implants.” However, the specific cause of BII remains unclear, and he emphasized that definitive answers about how implants might influence symptoms have yet to be found.
There is no unique test to diagnose BII, according to Nicolaidis. Imaging may reveal silicone leakage from an implant, but such findings are not required for someone to report symptoms. He also highlighted that BII is distinct from implant-associated lymphoma, a cancer associated with certain textured implants.
Rupture, removal, and next steps
A rupture or leak poses a different issue than BII. The FDA lists rupture and deflation as potential complications of implants and recommends that patients consult with a healthcare provider about any new or unusual breast changes.
Likewise, Health Canada advises individuals with implants to routinely check for any unusual breast changes and discuss any signs or symptoms with their physician. Decisions regarding retaining, replacing, or removing implants should be made in consultation with a clinician, taking into account individual symptoms, possible causes, and surgical risks, the agency states.
It does not recommend preventative implant removal due to the associated surgical risks and advises individuals experiencing symptoms to discuss them with a healthcare provider.
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Nicolaidis recommended that individuals with symptoms seek a comprehensive medical assessment. If no alternative causes are identified, they can consider whether their implants might be contributing and discuss options with their healthcare providers.
He stopped performing breast implant procedures in 2021, believing that the risks often outweighed the benefits, and now primarily focuses on implant removal. He noted that removal does not guarantee a cure; some patients he has treated with MS reported only minimal improvement, and those with diagnosed autoimmune disorders may still require medical care following removal, known as explant surgery.
Elliott emphasized the importance of taking implant-related symptoms seriously, while recognizing that their origins are not fully understood. She encouraged patients to seek balanced, evidence-based information and monitor their health changes.
“The absence of complete answers does not mean women’s experiences should be disregarded,” she asserted.