**Camilla Luddington Shares Insights on Living with Hashimoto’s Disease**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Camilla-Luddington-041026-1-1717d6a565df4d0c9b9b6580a0172f00.jpg)
Actress Camilla Luddington, best known for her role in the hit television series *Grey’s Anatomy*, has opened up about her health journey following her diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease in August 2025. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, the 42-year-old star discussed the challenges and insights gained since discovering she has this autoimmune disorder.
Luddington recounted her experience with Hashimoto’s disease, explaining how it has influenced her approach to health and wellness. “I realised this is a journey,” she told the publication. Although she experienced her first flare-up during the festive season in December, Luddington reported that she is feeling “much better now” after adjusting her medication.
Hashimoto’s disease is characterised by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy thyroid tissue, resulting in diminished hormone production, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. For Luddington, receiving the diagnosis served as a turning point, enabling her to adopt a more mindful perspective regarding her health and wellness.
Reflecting on her condition, Luddington shared the silver lining of her experience. “One thing that I actually appreciate strangely about having Hashimoto’s is that I pay much more attention to my body,” she revealed. This newfound awareness has allowed her to understand when she is under stress or needs to rest, leading to better self-advocacy for her health.
While some individuals managing Hashimoto’s may choose to alter their diets significantly—eliminating gluten or other potential triggers—Luddington has maintained her eating habits. She stated, “I talked to a few doctors and long story short, I haven’t given up anything.” Instead, she has made minor adjustments, focusing on consuming more protein and reducing sugar intake, as excessive sugar tends to leave her fatigued.
Finding balance in her life has become crucial for Luddington, who emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived. “I think balance is really important and I have balance still,” she said, illustrating her commitment to achieving well-being while still enjoying the foods she loves.
The actress first disclosed her diagnosis during an episode of the podcast *Call It What It Is* in August. Initially, she felt overwhelmed upon hearing the term autoimmune disease. However, when informed about the prevalence of Hashimoto’s, she expressed a mix of frustration and acceptance, stating, “I was like, well, that sucks, but okay.”
In the wake of her diagnosis, Luddington has become more determined to educate herself and others about living with autoimmune conditions. She believes that sharing her journey can help reduce stigma and encourage others facing similar health challenges.
As she continues to navigate her health journey, Luddington remains optimistic and motivated. With her positive mindset and commitment to self-care, she aims to inspire others who may be struggling with their health. Luddington’s story is a reminder that despite the difficulties posed by chronic health conditions, there is always a possibility for growth and understanding.