Daisy Ridley initially believed that her overwhelming schedule was the source of her stress and exhaustion, but she was later diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
The “Star Wars” star now feels more at ease discussing her diagnosis of Graves’ disease, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, which is more prevalent in women and individuals over 30.
At 32 years old, Ridley had already been diagnosed with endometriosis (a condition that causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus) and polycystic ovaries, a hormonal imbalance that disrupts menstrual cycles.
‘STAR WARS’ STAR DAISY RIDLEY EXPERIENCED STOMACH HOLES DUE TO SEVERE ANXIETY
Daisy Ridley disclosed her Graves’ disease diagnosis after wrongly attributing her fatigue symptoms to stress. (Jonny Marlow for Women’s Health)
“I’ve never mentioned it before [that it was Graves’],” she revealed to Women’s Health about her diagnosis from September 2023. This was prompted by her general physician’s recommendation to consult an endocrinologist after she reported hot flashes and fatigue—both typical symptoms of this condition.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
Thyroid hormones are crucial in regulating energy use in the body, influencing almost every organ, including heart function.
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Ridley believed her health had deteriorated after finishing her role in “Magpie,” a psychological thriller where she plays Anette in a tumultuous relationship.
Ridley assumed her fatigue was due to stress after taking on a challenging role. (Jonny Marlow for Women’s Health)
“I thought, ‘Well, I just did a very demanding role; that’s probably why I’m feeling unwell,’” Ridley recounted, noting additional symptoms like a racing heart, weight loss, and tremors in her hands.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
Her doctor informed her that the sensation often associated with Graves’ is commonly termed “tired but wired,” something that resonated with the “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” star.
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“It was amusing; I concluded, ‘Oh, I just thought I was annoyed at everyone,’ but it turns out everything was operating so rapidly that I couldn’t relax,” she shared.
With her diagnosis came an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. She started daily medication and, despite being a committed vegan, also adopted a gluten-free diet.
The “Star Wars” actress embraced a gluten-free diet to alleviate symptoms of Graves’ disease. (Jonny Marlow for Women’s Health)
“While I’m not overly strict about it, generally minimizing gluten intake makes me feel better,” Ridley noted, explaining that it didn’t take long for her to notice positive changes.
“It was amusing; I concluded, ‘Oh, I thought I was just irritated at the world,’ but it turns out everything was functioning at such a rapid pace that I couldn’t relax.”
“I had no idea how awful I felt before,” she reflected. “Then I looked back and wondered, ‘How did I cope with that?’”
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Her diagnosis has also made the “Young Woman and the Sea” actress more aware of the need for self-care, both physically and mentally. She has included infrared saunas, cryotherapy, acupuncture, and massages into her regimen, alongside carrying crystals each day.
“I’ve always been health-conscious, and now I’m making an effort to be more conscious about overall well-being,” Ridley emphasized. “I engage in a fair bit of holistic practice, but I also realize that it’s a privilege to have access to these practices.”
Daisy Ridley first gained fame as Rey in the 2015 film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (Karwai Tang)
She’s still navigating how to best care for herself following her diagnosis.
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“We often encounter statistics about women being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and coming to terms with admitting, ‘I genuinely don’t feel well,’ instead of saying, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine.’ It’s sadly become normalized to not feel good,” she stated.
“In the grand scheme, my situation is much less severe compared to what many endure. Even if one can cope with it, there’s no reason one should have to just [endure it].”
