What Is Hashimoto’s Disease? The Autoimmune Disorder Affecting Camilla Luddington and Millions of Others

When Grey’s Anatomy star Camilla Luddington recently opened up about her Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis, she put a face on a condition that affects millions of women but often goes undiagnosed for years.

Image you’re exhausted all the time, but everyone keeps telling you it’s just stress or getting older. Sound familiar? That was Luddington’s reality before she finally got answers. The 41-year-old actress described feeling so tired she could barely function as a parent. But here’s the thing that got me was her first emotion after getting diagnosed wasn’t fear. It was relief. “I was having a really hard time functioning as a parent, and this gave me reason to believe I can get better,” she shared in a recent interview. Now that’s what I call turning a health scare into hope.

Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease

Let’s break this down in plain English, shall we? Hashimoto’s disease is basically your immune system getting its wires crossed and attacking your thyroid gland. Think of it like having an overzealous security system that starts treating your own thyroid cells like unwanted intruders.

Your thyroid—that butterfly-shaped gland sitting pretty at the base of your neck—is responsible for producing hormones that regulate everything from your metabolism to your mood. When Hashimoto’s strikes, your immune system creates antibodies that gradually damage the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells. It’s like having a slow leak in your car’s radiator—things might seem fine at first, but eventually, you’re going to have problems.

The condition affects roughly 1-2% of the U.S. population, but here’s where it gets interesting: women are four to ten times more likely to develop it than men. Because apparently, we needed another thing to worry about, right?

Recognizing the Sneaky Symptoms

Here’s the tricky part about Hashimoto’s disease—it’s a master of disguise. The symptoms can creep up so gradually that you might chalk them up to a busy lifestyle, hormonal changes, or just “getting older.” But your body is actually trying to tell you something important.

Early Warning Signs

The most common symptoms include:

• Crushing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Unexplained weight gain despite eating the same way
• Feeling cold all the time (like, wearing sweaters in summer cold)
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Depression or mood changes that seem to come out of nowhere
• Dry, brittle hair and nails
• Constipation that becomes your unwelcome new normal
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Joint pain and muscle weakness

Some people also develop a goiter—an enlarged thyroid that creates a visible swelling in the neck. But don’t panic if you notice neck swelling; it’s not always uncomfortable and often shrinks over time with proper treatment.

What Triggers Hashimoto’s Disease?

The million-dollar question is: why does this happen? Unfortunately, researchers haven’t cracked the complete code yet, but they’ve identified several factors that seem to play a role.

The Genetic Component

If thyroid problems run in your family, you might want to pay extra attention to your symptoms. Hashimoto’s has a strong genetic component, meaning it often shows up at family reunions (and not in a good way).

Environmental Triggers

Several environmental factors can potentially trigger the condition in genetically susceptible people:

• Viral infections (including hepatitis C)
• Chronic stress (because stress wasn’t already doing enough damage)
• Excessive iodine intake from supplements or diet
• Radiation exposure
• Certain medications

The Pregnancy Connection

Pregnancy can be a trigger for Hashimoto’s, which explains why some women develop thyroid issues after having babies. The dramatic immune system changes during pregnancy and postpartum can sometimes flip the switch on autoimmune conditions.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,” don’t ignore those feelings. Trust your instincts—you know your body better than anyone else.

Blood Tests That Tell the Story

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s disease typically involves several blood tests:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Usually elevated in hypothyroidism
• Free T4: Often low when the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormone
• TPO antibodies: These attack the thyroid and are often elevated in Hashimoto’s
• Thyroglobulin antibodies: Another type of antibody that can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease

The beauty of modern testing is that doctors can often catch Hashimoto’s before you develop full-blown hypothyroidism. Some people have elevated antibodies but normal hormone levels—think of it as catching the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.

When to See Your Doctor

Don’t wait until you’re completely miserable to seek help. If you’re experiencing several of the symptoms mentioned above, especially fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, it’s time to have that conversation with your healthcare provider. Be prepared to advocate for yourself. Unfortunately, many women report being told their symptoms are just stress or normal aging before getting proper testing. If you feel like you’re not being heard, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion.

Treatment Options That Actually Work

Here’s some good news: Hashimoto’s disease is highly treatable. Once you have a diagnosis, there are effective ways to manage the condition and get your life back.

Thyroid Hormone Replacement

The gold standard treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone that replaces what your thyroid can’t produce on its own. It sounds simple, but finding the correct dose can take some patience and regular blood tests. Most people need to take this medication for life, but don’t let that scare you. When taken correctly, it has no side effects and can completely restore your energy and well-being. Think of it like taking a vitamin—just one that happens to be essential for your daily functioning.

Lifestyle Modifications

While medication is typically necessary, certain lifestyle changes can help you feel your best:

• Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or whatever helps you unwind
• Getting adequate sleep (easier said than done, but crucial for hormone regulation)
• Eating a balanced diet rich in selenium and zinc
• Regular exercise as tolerated (start slow if you’re dealing with fatigue)

Monitoring and Follow-Up

The key to successful management is regular monitoring. Your doctor will check your TSH levels periodically to ensure your medication dose is optimal. Don’t skip these appointments—your needs can change over time.

Living Your Best Life with Hashimoto’s

Like Luddington, many people find that getting diagnosed is actually empowering. Finally having an explanation for how you’ve been feeling can be incredibly validating. Plus, with proper treatment, most people with Hashimoto’s disease can live completely normal, active lives.

The actress is now taking medication and already seeing improvements. She’s also using her platform to raise awareness, which is helping other women recognize their own symptoms and seek help. Remember, having Hashimoto’s disease doesn’t define you—it’s just one part of your health story. With the proper treatment and support, you can absolutely thrive. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one helping another woman recognize her symptoms and get the care she deserves.

If any of this resonates with you, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor about thyroid testing. Your future self will thank you for taking that first step toward feeling like yourself again.