Daisy Ridley Opens Up About Graves' Disease Diagnosis
Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley has revealed she was diagnosed with Graves' disease last September, sharing her experiences with the autoimmune condition in a candid interview with Women's Health.
The 32-year-old actress, known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, first noticed symptoms after filming her upcoming movie "Magpie." Initially attributing her discomfort to the demanding role, Ridley soon realised something was amiss. Her symptoms included an elevated heart rate, unintentional weight loss, persistent fatigue, hand tremors and heightened irritability.
After seeking medical advice from an endocrinologist, Ridley was diagnosed with Graves' disease. The condition, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic, affects the thyroid gland, leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Other common symptoms include heightened nervousness, heat sensitivity, and rapid weight loss.
Fellow media personality Wendy Williams has also publicly discussed her struggles with Graves' disease.
Ridley has stated that adopting a gluten-free diet has contributed to her improved wellbeing since her diagnosis.
Reflecting on her journey, Ridley spoke about the importance of acknowledging and addressing discomfort. "I didn't realize how bad I felt before," she shared with Women's Health, "Then I looked back and thought, 'How did I do that?'"
She went on to say, "We all read the stats about women being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed and sort of coming to terms with saying, 'I really, actually don't feel good' and not going, 'I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine.'" She added, "It's just normalised to not feel good."
This isn't the first time Ridley has shared her experiences with chronic health conditions. In 2016, she publicly disclosed her diagnosis with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, and polycystic ovaries. She encouraged others to prioritize their health and seek professional medical help when needed.
Beyond her recent Graves' disease diagnosis, Ridley has previously spoken about the profound impact of her role in Star Wars on her mental health, leading to anxiety-related stomach issues.
Despite these challenges, Ridley remains active in the film industry, with upcoming projects including a new Star Wars film where she will reprise her role as Rey. The film, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, will see Rey establishing a new Jedi Order following the events of "The Rise of Skywalker."
With her open and honest communication about her health journey, Ridley serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar experiences. Her message underscores the importance of seeking medical attention when experiencing persistent discomfort, regardless of societal pressures to "push through" or appear "fine."
