Camilla Luddington Reveals Autoimmune Diagnosis in Candid Podcast

LOS ANGELES, CA – Camilla Luddington, best known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson on “Grey’s Anatomy,” shared a personal health update during her podcast “Call It What It Is,” revealing her recent diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

The 41-year-old actress explained that she had been experiencing symptoms for months, including fatigue and swelling. “About two and a half months ago, everything looked great except this one little thing. I remember hearing the words autoimmune disease and thinking ‘what the f—,’” she said.

Doctors informed Luddington that Hashimoto’s is a common autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like tiredness and muscle weakness. “Hashimoto’s is when your body’s immune system accidentally attacks your thyroid, which helps control your energy,” she explained.

Luddington recalled feeling confused by her symptoms. “The week before, I was waking up, and my face and hands were really swollen. I was having trouble taking my rings off,” she said.

After noticing these changes, she decided to undergo blood tests. The results led her doctor to ask, “I don’t know how you’re functioning.” This startling revelation brought a mix of confusion and relief for Luddington, who highlighted the struggles with health anxiety.

“Sometimes, I felt like I was gaslighting myself. I thought, ‘nothing’s wrong, like I’m crazy,’” she admitted. Hearing the diagnosis validated her experiences.

Fortunately, Luddington is now on a treatment plan that has improved her well-being. She described her energy as “a lot better” since starting levothyroxine, a medication that compensates for low thyroid hormone levels. Regular monitoring with her doctor every six weeks helps track her progress.

By sharing her story, Luddington hopes to connect with others facing similar health issues and emphasizes the importance of seeking answers. “I didn’t realize how exhausted my body was,” she concluded.