Actor from "Grey's Anatomy" expresses relief concerning their persistent health condition
In a candid interview, actress Camilla Luddington, best known for her role in the hit TV series "Grey's Anatomy," has shared her personal journey with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.
Diagnosed about two and a half months ago, Luddington felt relieved upon hearing the diagnosis. She recalls thinking, "What the fuck?" upon hearing the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, but soon came to terms with it as she realised that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a common and manageable condition.
Luddington's symptoms included extreme tiredness, cold intolerance, concentration problems, depressive moods, dry skin, hair loss, and the need to sleep with multiple blankets. Initially, she attributed her fatigue to aging, family life demands, or perimenopause. However, upon further investigation, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
The actress manages her condition primarily through prescribed thyroid medication, resuming exercise, seeking understanding and support through candid discussions, and recognising the condition as manageable and common. She openly discusses her experiences with Hashimoto's thyroiditis on her podcast "Call It What It Is."
Luddington emphasises the importance of taking thyroid medication to address the hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's disease. She also highlights the importance of regular exercise in supporting her overall health and well-being. Furthermore, she stresses the emotional benefits of sharing her experience on her podcast, which may help her process the diagnosis.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland where the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. Women are ten times more likely to be affected by this disease than men. While there is no cure, the disease is usually well-managed with hormone therapy.
Luddington is now under regular check-ups every six weeks to monitor her condition. She encourages others who may be experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical help and not to shy away from open discussions about their health.
[1] Luddington, C. (Host). (2021). Call It What It Is. [Podcast episode]. [2] Grey's Anatomy Official Twitter. (2021, October 14). Camilla Luddington opens up about her Hashimoto's diagnosis. [Tweet]. [3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2021, October 14). Camilla Luddington Opens Up About Living with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. [Article]. [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hashimoto's disease. [Webpage]. [5] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Hashimoto's Disease. [Webpage].
[1] Camilla Luddington, actress from "Grey's Anatomy," discusses her journey with Hashimoto's thyroiditis on her podcast "Call It What It Is," emphasizing the importance of regular exercise, taking medication, and open discussions for mental health.
[2] In her podcast, Luddington shares how she manages her autoimmune disease through hormone therapy, exercise, and self-awareness, proving that Hashimoto's thyroiditis is manageable and common, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
[3] Confirming this, the Mayo Clinic notes that Hashimoto's disease, a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissue, is usually well-managed with hormone therapy, fitness-and-exercise, and health-and-wellness practices.
[4] With regular check-ups every six weeks, Luddington shares her struggles and triumphs with Hashimoto's thyroiditis not only in her entertainment career but also on her podcast, setting an example for others living with the condition, as stated by American Thyroid Association.
[5] While science has yet to find a cure for Hashimoto's disease, educating oneself on the condition and sharing experiences can help empower those affected, as promoted by Luddington and advocated by various health organizations, including the Mayo Clinic and the American Thyroid Association.
