Daisy Ridley reveals Graves’ disease diagnosis

Virgin Radio

7 Aug 2024, 10:42

The Star Wars star opens up about her health journey and embracing a holistic approach.

Daisy Ridley, the galactic heroine we all adore from the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has shared some news that's a bit closer to home than a galaxy far, far away.

The actress, known for her role as Rey in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, revealed she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in September 2023.

For those who might not know, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to go into overdrive, producing too many hormones.

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Common symptoms include shakiness, heat sensitivity, weight loss, and skin irritation. It’s like having the Force, but not the fun, galaxy-saving kind.

According to the NHS, about four out of every five people with an overactive thyroid have Graves’ disease.

Ridley’s journey to diagnosis began after wrapping up her role in Sam Yates’ 2024 thriller Magpie.

Playing Anette, a wife and mother whose husband (Shazad Latif) falls for an actor (Matilda Lutz), Ridley started experiencing increased heart rate, rapid weight loss, exhaustion, and trembling hands.

“I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role,’ presumably that’s why I feel poorly,” Ridley explained to Women's Health Magazine.

However, the real revelation came during a visit to her endocrinologist. Describing her symptoms, the doctor noted that people often describe the feeling of Graves’ disease as “tired but weird.” That’s when it hit her.

“It was funny, I was like, ‘Oh, I just thought I was annoyed at the world,’” Ridley shared. “But turns out everything is functioning so quickly, you can’t chill out.”

Daisy isn’t the only star navigating the cosmos of Graves’ disease. Sia and Missy Elliott have both opened up about their struggles with the condition, joining Ridley in raising awareness.

To manage her symptoms, Ridley has embraced a wellness routine that could rival a Jedi’s training regimen.

She’s been vegan for several years and now also avoids gluten, although she admits she’s not “super strict about it.” The diet change “generally” makes her “feel better.”

In addition to dietary tweaks, Ridley has added infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and acupuncture to her routine.

And in true Jedi style, she carries a piece of rose quartz, known to calm emotional turmoil and promote self-love.

“I do a fair amount of the holistic stuff, but I also understand that it is a privilege to be able to do those things,” Ridley said.

Before her diagnosis, Ridley was always health-conscious. Now, she’s focused on being “more well-being conscious.”