Daisy Ridley, the actress celebrated for her role as Rey in the iconic Star Wars franchise, has recently shared her personal health struggles with Graves’ disease, shedding light on her experience with this often-misunderstood autoimmune disorder. Ridley's revelations come as she reflects on the intense lifestyle changes following her diagnosis last September.
While on set for her latest film, Magpie, which explores the fraught dynamics of family and relationships, Ridley began to notice troubling symptoms. Weighing down on her daily life, these included fatigue, weight loss, and hand tremors. Initially, she attributed her feelings to the stress of her demanding role, stating, "I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role; presumably that's why I feel poorly.'" This introspection, combined with her symptoms, led her to seek medical advice.
After consulting her general practitioner, she was referred to an endocrinologist, marking the starting point of her diagnosis. Ridley learned from her doctor about the peculiar nature of Graves’ disease, which can result in one feeling "tired but wired." These contradictions became quickly apparent to her, as she described her emotional state: "I just thought I was annoyed at the world, but turns out everything is functioning so quickly, you can’t chill out."
Graves’ disease is notable for its connection to the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce hormones, which can bring about symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and even palpitation. This condition primarily affects women, particularly those aged between 30 and 50. Currently, it’s estimated to impact over three million individuals within the US alone. Among its famous advocates, singer Missy Elliott previously spoke about her own experience with the illness, underlining its varying impact on personal health.
On her wellness path since being diagnosed, Ridley has stepped back to reassess her overall health and lifestyle. Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, she expressed how previous normalization of discomfort kept her from acknowledging the severity of her symptoms. “We all read the stats about women being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed and [it's about] 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,'” she shared with candor.
To manage her condition better, she has adopted several health practices. Ridley now follows a daily routine of medication, and has explored various holistic options, such as infrared saunas, cryotherapy, acupuncture, and massages. These integrative approaches not only soothe her symptoms but contribute to her sense of well-being. She also made dietary adjustments, moving toward a gluten-free diet to reduce inflammation—a choice she elaborated on by stating, "I am not super strict about it, but cutting down on gluten makes me feel better.”
Ridley has been candid about her previous health issues, having been diagnosed with endometriosis as a teen and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in her 20s. These experiences have shaped her current outlook on health and well-being, fostering resilience within her. She emphasized how managing these health conditions demanded not just physical strength but emotional endurance, reinforcing the notion of persistent self-care.
Despite the challenges, Ridley remains driven and focused on her acting career—she’s currently preparing to portray Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel, highlighting her athletic prowess and dedication to her craft. “The devastatingly disorienting experience involved with swimming, under the cold currents of the Black Sea, is matched only by the thrill of personal triumphs—each role pushing her boundaries just as life continually does with health challenges,” she explained.
Graves’ disease may be less visible than other conditions, leading many to suffer silently, but Ridley is using her platform to raise awareness and speak out against the stigma surrounding autoimmune disorders. “Even if you can deal with it, you shouldn’t have to,” she asserted passionately, invoking the unspoken burdens many individuals carry, particularly women. This holistic attitudinal shift, paired with her brave openness about her struggles, promises to resonate with many facing similar dilemmas.
Ridley encourages others to prioritize their well-being, recognizing the importance of listening to one’s body. During conversations about health, she urges women to scrutinize their own experiences, to ask for help, and to demand better recognition of their challenges within health care systems.
She acknowledges the challenge of shifting cultural norms around women’s health issues, but remains steadfast, inspiring resilience and the power to speak one's truth. "It’s normalized to not feel good; if there’s a problem, you shouldn’t just suffer through it," she concluded, punctuating her messages with transformative insights.
Through her experiences, Ridley not only amplifies the narrative around Graves’ disease but offers hope, solidarity, and candor for many wrestling with their invisible battles. The conversation around such conditions is ever more critical, as women like her illuminate the health disparities and chronic issues women often face without recognition.
Daisy Ridley’s boldness serves as both reminder and rallying call: it’s never too late to seek help, rethink health practices, or challenge the status quo for one's well-being.
