Camila Luddington Opens Up About Hashimoto’s Diagnosis

Camila Luddington recently shared that she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease after experiencing various health issues for some time.

The 41-year-old actress, known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson on “Grey’s Anatomy,” discussed her health journey during a podcast episode this past Wednesday. Co-hosting with Jennifer Capshaw, she mentioned that her initial reaction to the diagnosis was one of surprise, followed by a sense of reliability. Luddington felt grateful to finally have answers and to be on medication that could help manage her symptoms.

She explained that doctors identified her condition through a blood test conducted several months earlier. “I remember coming across the term ‘autoimmune disease’ and thinking, ‘What does that even mean?'” she recalled. At the time, she was convinced her struggles were related to menopause, so when the doctors suggested it was an autoimmune issue, her reaction was mixed. “I was surprised, but when they said it was common, I thought, ‘Well, that’s unfortunate, but okay,’” she said.

Luddington added that she felt a sense of relief once she learned what was happening with her body. It was, in a way, a validation of her worries. “Finally, there was an explanation for the health troubles I was experiencing,” she mentioned.

To explain Hashimoto’s to her listeners, she described it as a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, a small but crucial organ that regulates energy. In her usual lighthearted manner, she joked, “You could say you’re beautiful even with Hashimoto’s.”

As her thyroid function diminished over time, she found herself feeling fatigued and cold, sharing a humorous anecdote about needing multiple blankets at night, which her partner poked fun at. Luddington indicated that she has begun medication to manage her condition moving forward.