Daisy Ridley, known for her role in the Star Wars franchise, has recently disclosed her diagnosis of Graves' disease.
As reported by Vulture, the actress shared details about her experience with the autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Ridley's diagnosis came in September 2023, following a period of experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, hand tremors, and extreme irritability. Initially, she attributed these symptoms to the stress of filming her role in the movie "Magpie." However, her doctor described her condition as feeling "tired but wired," prompting further investigation.
The actress revealed that she initially misinterpreted her symptoms as a normal reaction to a demanding role. Ridley explained that she thought her feelings of irritability were simply a result of being "annoyed at the world." It wasn't until her diagnosis that she realized her body was functioning at an accelerated rate due to the disease.
Interestingly, Ridley did not experience one of the more well-known symptoms of Graves' disease: thyroid eye disease. This condition, also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy, is characterized by bulging eyes, puffy eyelids, eye pain, and potential vision loss.
The Star Wars actress is not the only celebrity to have been diagnosed with Graves' disease. Missy Elliott, the renowned rapper and producer, shared her experience with the condition in a 2015 interview with Billboard.
Ridley has been managing her condition since her diagnosis in September 2023. She told Women's Health magazine that adopting a gluten-free diet has helped alleviate some of the inflammation associated with Graves' disease.
According to the interview, Ridley's approach to managing her condition is similar to that of Missy Elliott, who was diagnosed with Graves' disease in 2008. Elliott shared her experience with the condition, describing symptoms such as hair loss and bulging eyes.
Graves' disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Both Ridley and Elliott have found that dietary changes have been beneficial in controlling their symptoms and maintaining their health.
Despite her diagnosis, Ridley continues to work in the film industry. Her recent role in "Magpie" was described as particularly stressful, which may have contributed to the manifestation of her symptoms.
The actress's openness about her condition sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals living with autoimmune disorders. By sharing her experience, Ridley contributes to raising awareness about Graves' disease and its impact on daily life.
Ridley's story also highlights the importance of listening to one's body and seeking medical attention when experiencing persistent symptoms. Her initial dismissal of her symptoms as stress-related underscores the need for increased awareness of autoimmune disorders.
Daisy Ridley's diagnosis of Graves' disease has brought attention to this autoimmune disorder. The actress experienced symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and hand tremors before receiving her diagnosis in September 2023. Ridley is managing her condition through dietary changes, particularly adopting a gluten-free diet. Her openness about her experience contributes to raising awareness about Graves' disease and its impact on individuals' lives.
