The 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' actress admits that she first attributed the symptoms of the disease to playing a stressful role in the psychological thriller 'Magpie'.
- Aug 7, 2024
AceShowbiz - Daisy Ridley got candid about her health. In the cover story for the September/October issue of Women's Health, the "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" actress revealed that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease last year.
The 32-year-old, who had previously shared her struggle with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, told the publication, "It's the first time I've shared that [Graves]." According to Mayo Clinic, Graves' disease is an immune system condition that affects the thyroid gland, causeing the body to make too much thyroid hormone.
Daisy first attributed the symptoms of the disease to playing a stressful role in the psychological thriller "Magpie". She said, "I thought, Well, I've just played a really stressful role; presumably that's why I feel poorly."
The English native then visited an endocrinologist, who noted that her symptoms — which included hand tremors, a racing heart rate and weight loss, are often dubbed as "tired but wired." She added, "It was funny, I was like, 'Oh, I just thought I was annoyed at the world,' but turns out everything is functioning so quickly, you can't chill out."
With her diagnosis came a time for reflection on how to improve herself physically. She began taking daily medication and, while already a devout vegan, Ridley also began a gluten-free diet. "I didn't realize how bad I felt before," she said. "Then I looked back and thought, 'How did I do that?' "
Upon learning of her diagnosis, the "Young Woman and the Sea" star started integrating infrared saunas, cryotherapy, acupuncture and massages into her routine, in addition to carrying crystals with her at all times. "I've always been health conscious, and now I'm trying to be more well-being conscious," Ridley said. "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."