Story highlights FM Jose Serra tenders resignation to Brazilian President Michel Temer

Serra had only been on the job for less than a year

(CNN) Brazil's Foreign Minister has resigned from his post, citing health problems and upcoming medical treatments as the main reasons.

In a letter to Brazilian President Michel Temer, Foreign Minister Jose Serra said he was "saddened" to be stepping down but said his doctors told him he would need "at least four months" to properly recover.

The letter was handed in personally to Temer on Wednesday, and published by state-run news agency Agencia Brasil.

Serra, 74, a career politician, had been in the job for less than a year.

JUST WATCHED Why Brazil impeached President Rousseff Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Why Brazil impeached President Rousseff 01:06

He took office after former president Dilma Rousseff was suspended in May last year during the investigation that lead to her impeachment. She was ultimately ousted from office in August 2016

Read More