Camilla Luddington Shares Hashimoto's Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

"Grey's Anatomy" star Camilla Luddington, known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson, recently disclosed her diagnosis of Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid.

What is Hashimoto's Disease?

Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This attack leads to chronic inflammation and often results in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease

Symptoms can vary but often include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and an enlarged thyroid (goiter). Learn more about Hashimoto's symptoms (external link).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (T4 and TSH), and antibody tests to detect thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). Treatment usually involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine.

Living with Hashimoto's

Managing Hashimoto's often involves regular monitoring by a healthcare professional and lifestyle adjustments. Proper diet, stress management, and consistent medication adherence are crucial.

Camilla Luddington's Experience

Camilla Luddington's decision to share her diagnosis helps raise awareness about Hashimoto's disease and encourages others experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical attention. You can follow her journey and advocacy on her Instagram page (external link).

Source: ABC News