Actress Gina Rodriguez has transformed her approach to health in recent years, embracing boxing and even studying Muay Thai in Thailand with her husband, actor Joe LoCicero. However, her journey hasn’t always been easy. After grappling with weight and health issues, Rodriguez was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid.
Early Struggles with Hashimoto’s

In 2014, as the star of “Jane the Virgin,” Rodriguez was in intense training for a half marathon, running up to 20 miles each week. Despite her rigorous routine, she saw little change in her body, a common experience for those with Hashimoto’s. The autoimmune disorder often leads to exercise intolerance and weight gain, making her journey all the more challenging. Initially, Rodriguez found it difficult to accept her diagnosis, telling Vogue, “I rejected the fact that I had a disease.”
Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation. This butterfly-shaped gland produces hormones vital for regulating metabolism, temperature, and organ function. When inflamed, the thyroid struggles to produce sufficient hormones, resulting in hypothyroidism. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, depression, and muscle aches. Diagnosis often involves blood tests to check levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
Who Is at Risk?

Women are at a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s, particularly those aged 30 to 50, those with existing autoimmune conditions, or those with a family history. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), women are 4 to 10 times more likely to have this condition than men. Although the exact number of Americans affected by Hashimoto’s is unclear, approximately one in twenty people suffers from hypothyroidism, most often linked to Hashimoto’s.
The Diagnosis and Its Impact
Rodriguez was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism while in college and began medication as advised by her doctor. However, it wasn’t until her Hashimoto’s diagnosis at 26 that she felt the weight of her condition. She described it as “the curse of a lifetime,” feeling defeated as her struggle with weight intensified, particularly in the competitive world of Hollywood. “To the core of my being, I know what it’s like to feel like there is no way I can win this,” she shared.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Initially, Rodriguez rebelled against her diagnosis, neglecting her medication and indulging in foods that exacerbated her condition. She recognized that her past behaviors were unsustainable and began to take charge of her health. “I’ve had it for so many years … that rebellion of not taking care of myself can’t exist anymore,” she reflected, leading to a newfound determination to manage her health effectively.
Addressing Symptoms and Complications

While Hashimoto’s is manageable, it can lead to severe complications if left untreated. These include heart disease, high cholesterol, and complications during pregnancy. For Rodriguez, one of the more troubling symptoms was memory loss, which strained her relationship with LoCicero. “It makes me feel shame,” she admitted, revealing the emotional toll her condition took on her personal life.
Committing to Health Management
In 2017, while filming “Miss Bala,” Rodriguez took significant steps to better manage her health by collaborating with a nutritionist. The goal was to support her gut health and improve her energy levels, crucial for combating fatigue, a common symptom of Hashimoto’s. While she acknowledges that her diet is not always perfect, she focuses on making small, manageable changes each day.
Navigating Medication and Dosage
Though there is no definitive diet for treating Hashimoto’s, medications like Levothyroxine are commonly prescribed to manage hypothyroidism. Rodriguez experienced challenges with her medication dosage, leading to panic attacks and anxiety that she initially attributed to external pressures. Eventually, she realized her symptoms were linked to an excessive dose of her thyroid medication, and reducing the dosage alleviated her issues.
Gina Rodriguez’s journey illustrates the complexities of living with Hashimoto’s disease and the importance of self-advocacy and resilience. Her evolving understanding of health has empowered her to take control of her well-being, inspiring others facing similar challenges.
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