Camilla Luddington, best known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson on the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, recently shared a deeply personal health update that has surprised many fans. The actress opened up candidly on her podcast, Call It What It Is, co-hosted with her Grey’s co-star Jessica Capshaw, revealing she has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid gland.
Camilla Luddington and Her Hashimoto’s Diagnosis
For months, Camilla struggled with symptoms she thought were just part of aging or her busy life as a mother of two. Fatigue, brain fog, cold sensitivity, and a persistent need for naps made her feel “slothy,” as she described humorously on the podcast. Initially attributing her symptoms to perimenopause or simply the demands of being in her 40s, she didn’t suspect a medical condition until a routine blood test provided clarity.
Her doctor alerted her to a small abnormality in her thyroid hormone levels, and she was soon diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease—a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hormone deficiencies that affect metabolism and energy levels. Although the diagnosis initially “freaked her out,” Camilla found relief in finally having an explanation for her long-standing symptoms. She also acknowledged her struggles with health anxiety, sometimes doubting her own experiences, which made the diagnosis a significant moment of clarity for her.
Living With Hashimoto’s: What health concerns does the disease have?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause a range of symptoms, including exhaustion, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and swelling. Camilla recounted a particularly alarming moment when she woke up with her face and hands swollen, underscoring how seriously the condition was impacting her daily life.
Now on a treatment plan with levothyroxine, a medication that replaces deficient thyroid hormones, Luddington is optimistic about her recovery journey. She describes her energy as “a lot better” but recognizes it’s a process that will take time. Regular monitoring with her doctor every six weeks keeps her progress in check.
By sharing her story, Camilla hopes to connect with others who may feel isolated by mysterious health struggles and to highlight the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking answers—even when the cause isn’t immediately obvious.
Through this honest revelation, Camilla Luddington reminds us all that behind the glitz and glamor, celebrities face real health challenges too—and that sometimes, the journey to wellness begins with a simple blood test and the courage to talk about it.
