Grey's Anatomy star Camilla Luddington reveals she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease
The 41-year-old actress - who is known for portraying Dr. Jo Wilson in Grey's Anatomy - opened up about the health update on Wednesday's episode of her podcast Call It What It Is.
She told her co-host Jennifer Capshaw that she was initially 'freaked out' by the diagnosis, but is also 'relieved' to have an answer to the symptoms she had been experiencing.
Camilla explained that she went in nearly three months earlier to get routine bloodwork done which was when her doctor made the discovery.
'I remember hearing the words "autoimmune disease" and thinking, "What the f***?"' she said, but was told the diagnosis was 'common.'
The star expressed that she 'knew something was up' and initially believed it could possibly have been perimenopause.
'So, truly when they said autoimmune disease, I, you know, I was a little freaked out. And then when they said it's really common, I was like, well, that sucks, but okay.'
But finally having answers soon brought relief to the actress who added, 'I felt like I had the answer for something that I've been knowing is going on, and I have health anxiety. So there was a part of me that was like, am I gaslighting myself? No.'
Camilla offered an explanation to listeners what the autoimmune disease is and explained, 'Hashimoto's is when your body's immune system accidentally attacks your thyroid.
'Which is a little gland in your neck that helps control your energy, AKA makes you a little slothy. K? So over time, the damage it does, it makes the thyroid slow down and stop making enough hormones.'
Additional symptoms others can experience include feeling fatigue, getting cold easily, dry skin, weight gain and depression.
The Californication actress then jokingly added, 'Basically, you're feeling gorgeous with Hashimoto.'
According to Mayo Clinic, the most common form of treatment for the autoimmune disease is 'thyroid hormone replacement.'
The mom-of-two said, 'Now I'm on a medication called Levothyroxine. I started on the lowest dose of that, and I had to have blood work every six weeks, and it's the test to see me getting back to normal.'
Despite receiving the diagnosis, the star positively told fans that she is on 'the road to recovery.'
Other celebrities have also been open with their Hashimoto's diagnosis such as Gigi Hadid, Zoe Saldana and Victoria Justice.
Camilla began her entertainment career by taking on minor roles in shows such as Days Of Our Lives and Big Time Rush.
In 2011, she portrayed Catherine 'Kate' Middleton in the Lifetime television movie titled William & Kate: The Movie.
Camilla has also made appearances in other projects including Californication and True Blood.
Since 2012, Camilla has been playing the character Dr. Jo Wilson in the hit series Grey's Anatomy. The actress is set to reprise her role once again in the upcoming 22nd season of the ABC show.
During a recent interview with Variety, the star opened up about stepping into the shoes of Jo for over a decade.
'So, this very strange thing happens when you're playing characters for this long - where sometimes your life kind of goes in and out and is parallel to the other.'
She added, 'But I consider it a privilege to be in a position where I get to play somebody this long.'
When questioned if she will know when it is time to say goodbye to her character, Camilla explained, 'There's an organic moment in a lot of these characters' storylines where it's obvious that they're starting a new chapter.
'And if that happens, you have to be in a place to embrace it, especially when I've been lucky enough to be on the show for this long. But I want to continue on this ride with her...'
When the actress is not busy in front of the camera, she focuses on raising her two children Hayden, eight, and Lucas, four, with husband Matthew Alan.
Camilla and Matthew first crossed paths in 2008 and later tied the knot in 2019 during a romantic ceremony in Santa Barbara.
He is also an actor and has starred in projects such as Presumed Innocent alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Snowfall, Castlerock and 13 Reasons Why.
During an interview with People in February, the actress revealed the sweet gesture her husband does every day.
'He brings me coffee every morning. And it's just this little tiny moment in the middle of the chaos of getting the kids ready that feels like he's thinking of me.'
Camilla continued, 'I call it "Daddy Bucks" because he's like Starbucks. It's like the best cup of coffee ever. And just the act of him handing me coffee every morning is this little moment of love language between us.'
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