On her “Call It What It Is” podcast with co-star Jessica Capshaw, Grey’s Anatomy star Camilla Luddington revealed she had recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition that quietly messes with your thyroid and, by extension, your entire energy system.Best known as Dr Jo Wilson, the 41-year-old Luddington admitted she had brushed off her constant tiredness, sluggishness, and need to curl up in bed as signs of getting older or hitting perimenopause. “Makes you a little slothy,” she joked, only half-serious. The truth was more complex and involved a surprisingly common yet under-discussed health disorder.When “just tired” is something moreIt started with a routine blood test. Her doctor spotted “one little thing” and, before she knew it, dropped the phrase “autoimmune disease” into the conversation. But the reassurance came quickly: Hashimoto’s is very common, especially among women in middle age.Still, common does not mean harmless. Reportedly, Hashimoto’s slowly attacks the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck that produces hormones controlling metabolism, temperature regulation, and a surprising list of bodily functions. Over time, the immune system’s misguided attack leads to a drop in hormone production, setting the stage for hypothyroidism.The symptomsFatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and do not forget the cold intolerance, hair loss, and brain fog. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are just the tip of the symptom iceberg for Hashimoto’s, which can also cause constipation, muscle aches, joint pain, irregular menstrual cycles, depression, brittle nails, and even an enlarged thyroid (goitre). Sometimes symptoms creep in so gradually that people do not realise something is wrong. Luddington recognised several of these signs in hindsight, though she had been quick to explain them away. Now, with a diagnosis in hand, she’s on medication and back to exercising — a reminder that treatment can help restore some balance, even if there’s no cure.Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camilla Luddington (@camillaluddington)]]>Who’s at risk and whyHashimoto’s can strike anyone, but middle-aged women top the risk list. Genetics may be part of the puzzle, along with environmental triggers like infections, chronic stress, or even radiation exposure. And while the disease typically develops slowly, its reach is wide. If untreated, it can snowball into complications like heart problems, fertility issues, poor pregnancy outcomes, or a rare and life-threatening state called myxedema, where extreme hypothyroidism leads to unconsciousness.The mental health connectionHashimoto’s is not just a physical game-changer. Because thyroid hormones influence brain chemistry, untreated hypothyroidism can cause depression, anxiety, and severe mood changes. Luddington herself described feeling constantly run down, with a fatigue so deep it impacted her day-to-day life. This mental strain often gets overlooked, especially when symptoms overlap with other conditions.Treatment that works Reportedly, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the gold standard for treatment, often in the form of a daily pill that restores hormone levels. When managed well, it can make symptoms fade into the background. Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise, good sleep habits, and balanced nutrition, can also help.Luddington’s story is proof that a proper diagnosis can be life-changing and that even those with hectic Hollywood schedules need to listen to their bodies.Why you shouldn’t ignore “little” symptomsFeeling tired is not unusual. But when exhaustion comes with hair loss, weight changes, and a tendency to wear sweaters in 25-degree weather, it is worth checking your thyroid. As Luddington learnt, what seems like ordinary wear and tear can sometimes be a hormonal SOS.If left untreated, Hashimoto’s can quietly chip away at your health for years, leading to cardiovascular risks, mental health struggles, and long-term organ strain. That is why timely diagnosis and treatment are not just medical niceties; they are essential.The message is simple: fatigue is not always “just life”. Sometimes, it is your body asking for help and that call deserves an answer.
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