‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Diagnosed with Painful Disease

Camilla Luddington, best known for playing Dr. Jo Wilson on Grey’s Anatomy, is opening up about her recent health journey—and the unexpected symptoms that led to a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease.

During a candid appearance on the Call It What It Is podcast, the 41-year-old actress revealed she has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The condition causes the immune system to attack the thyroid, slowing down metabolism and leading to a wide range of symptoms.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Hashimoto’s can cause fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, hair thinning, a slowed heart rate, and feelings of being cold—even in warm environments.

“It can make you feel… tired and cold,” Luddington said. She joked that her husband, actor Matthew Alan, would tease her for sleeping with what felt like “40 blankets” piled on top of her every night.

But the signs weren’t just subtle. Luddington recalled waking up one day with her face and hands noticeably swollen. Still, she didn’t immediately suspect anything serious. “It never crossed my mind that a medical reason could cause my symptoms,” she admitted.

Eventually, she brought up her ongoing fatigue to her doctor, who ran blood tests. That’s when the diagnosis came in.

“I was a little freaked out,” she said of hearing the news. “Then when they said it’s common, I was like, ‘That sucks, but okay.’”

While Hashimoto’s is a lifelong condition, it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Luddington says she’s grateful to finally understand what was going on with her body and hopes sharing her experience helps others recognize the signs.

Her story is a reminder that even small, nagging symptoms—like always feeling cold or tired—shouldn’t be ignored. And in Luddington’s case, speaking up led to answers and relief.