Actress Camilla Luddington, best known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson on Grey’s Anatomy, has publicly disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder.
The 41-year-old made the announcement during the August 6 episode of her podcast, Call It What It Is, co-hosted with fellow actress Jennifer Capshaw. During the discussion, Ms. Luddington stated that while she was initially alarmed by the diagnosis, she also felt a sense of relief in finally having a medical explanation for the symptoms she had been experiencing.
Ms. Luddington further explained that the diagnosis followed a routine blood panel conducted approximately three months earlier, during which her physician identified the condition.
During the August 6 episode of her podcast Call It What It Is, actress Camilla Luddington recounted her initial reaction upon receiving her medical diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease, stating: “I remember hearing the words ‘autoimmune disease’ and thinking, ‘What the f**?’”* She further shared that while the diagnosis was initially distressing, her healthcare provider informed her that the condition is relatively common.
Ms. Luddington explained that she had suspected an underlying issue, at first considering the possibility of perimenopause. “So, truly, when they said autoimmune disease, I was a little freaked out. And then when they said it’s really common, I was like, well, that sucks, but okay,” she said. Despite her initial concern, the diagnosis ultimately brought her relief: “I felt like I had the answer for something that I’ve been knowing is going on. And I have health anxiety, so there was a part of me that was like, am I gaslighting myself? No.”
In her remarks, Ms. Luddington provided an overview of the condition for listeners, explaining: “Hashimoto’s is when your body’s immune system accidentally attacks your thyroid, which is a small gland in your neck that helps control your energy. So over time, the damage it does causes the thyroid to slow down and stop making enough hormones.”
She further noted that common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease may include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, weight gain, and depression. In a light-hearted moment, Ms. Luddington joked: “Basically, you’re feeling gorgeous with Hashimoto’s.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most prevalent treatment for Hashimoto’s disease involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Ms. Luddington confirmed that she has commenced treatment with Levothyroxine and is currently on the lowest dosage. She also noted that she is undergoing blood testing every six weeks to monitor her hormone levels and assess whether her condition is stabilizing.#newsafro_
