In what is one of the most surprising moves from Apple's CEO this year, Steve Jobs has posted an open letter to the Apple Community, admitting health issues had to do with his not attending the Macworld Expo this year.

As Apple fans may recall, the company has stated on numerous occasions that Steve Jobs was fine. However, Apple's CEO has issued an official statement saying otherwise (not that we're surprised). Without further ado, the original text awaits below.

Dear Apple Community,

For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.

Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.

I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.

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.

So, now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Steve

We will be analyzing Jobs' open letter to the Apple fan-base in a separate article. Meanwhile, we can't wait to hear your impressions. One thing, though – and yes, we're undoubtedly trying to stir things up here – does anyone need more signs indicating that Steve Jobs' reign is close to its end? With a matter of re-balancing hormones, why would Apple cut back on all trade shows? Could it just be that the company knows Steve won't be around for much longer? Sound off as loud as you can.