'Grey's Anatomy' star diagnosed with Hashimoto's: What to know about the disease
The British actress, known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson, shared the news on the "Call It What It Is" podcast in an episode aired on Wednesday, which she co-hosts with fellow "Grey's Anatomy" star Jessica Capshaw.
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Luddington explained that, for some time, she had felt unusually tired and sluggish, often joking about being "slothy." However, she didn't consider that there might be a medical reason behind it.
After finally completing routine blood work, Luddington received the surprising diagnosis. "My doctor was like, everything looks great except this one little thing," she recalled.
The news hit her hard.
"I remember hearing the words 'autoimmune disease' and thinking, 'What the f---?'" Luddington said, though she later learned that hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's disease is quite common.
Capshaw asked how Luddington processed the news, and Luddington admitted that she had suspected something was wrong with her health.
"You know what? I knew something was up," Luddington shared. "Because even when I was having my blood drawn, the doctor said to me, 'Is there any, you know, particular thing you're concerned about?' And I said, 'Look, I'm really f---ing tired all the time.'"
Initially, Luddington thought her symptoms might be due to perimenopause, a phase before menopause. But after learning about her autoimmune diagnosis, she said, "When they said it's really common, I was like, 'well, that sucks, but okay.'"
Luddington has been part of the "Grey's Anatomy" cast since 2012. In addition to her role on the ABC drama, she has starred as Kate in "William & Kate: The Movie" and appeared on shows like "Californication" and "True Blood."
What to know about Hashimoto's disease
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or, in rare cases, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
The thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, becomes damaged in people with Hashimoto's, NIDDK states on its website. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid, leading to the accumulation of white blood cells which destroy thyroid's cells that produce hormones.
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This condition is also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis, according to NIDDK. While the exact number of people affected in the U.S. is unknown, Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which impacts about 5% of Americans.
NIDDK notes that early on, Hashimoto's may not show symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint pain, constipation, dry skin, irregular periods and a slowed heart rate. It often leads to hypothyroidism, but in its early stages, it can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid may also enlarge, creating a swollen neck or goiter, which can shrink over time.
According to NIDDK, the exact cause of Hashimoto's is unknown, but it is often linked to a family history of thyroid disease.
Several factors, including genes, viruses like hepatitis C, certain medications, and exposure to toxins such as nuclear radiation, can contribute to its development.
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