BTN News: British actress Daisy Ridley, widely recognized for her role in the recent ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, recently opened up about a challenging health journey that began during the filming of her latest project, ‘Magpie.’ Ridley revealed that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that directly affects the thyroid. This diagnosis came after months of mysterious symptoms that left her feeling fatigued, anxious, and uncharacteristically irritable.
Ridley first noticed something was amiss in September of the previous year, shortly after wrapping up filming on ‘Magpie,’ directed by Sam Yates. Initially, she chalked up her exhaustion and increased heart rate to the intense stress and demands of her role. However, when she began experiencing hand tremors, severe fatigue during exercise, and a noticeable shift in her mood, Ridley knew it was time to seek medical advice. After a thorough examination, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
The impact of Graves’ disease on Ridley’s life was profound. The overproduction of thyroid hormones led to significant changes in her body and mind, causing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, hand tremors, and an increased sensitivity to heat. The disease also made her skin feel unusually warm and clammy, and despite maintaining her normal eating habits, she experienced noticeable weight loss. Additionally, Ridley developed a visible enlargement of her thyroid gland, known as a goiter, and had to contend with the emotional toll of feeling consistently on edge and overwhelmed.
After her diagnosis, Ridley took immediate steps to manage her condition, embracing both conventional treatments and holistic approaches. Understanding the importance of reducing inflammation, she eliminated gluten from her diet, a change that she found beneficial for her overall well-being. She also explored alternative therapies, including infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and acupuncture, which helped her alleviate some of the more challenging symptoms of Graves’ disease. Despite the benefits she experienced, Ridley acknowledged that access to such treatments is a privilege not everyone can afford, highlighting the disparity in healthcare options available to different individuals.
Listening to her body became a priority for Ridley as she adjusted to life with Graves’ disease. She modified her exercise routine, opting for less intense workouts that focused on mobility and overall wellness. This shift allowed her to maintain her fitness while also respecting her body’s new limitations. Ridley emphasized the importance of finding balance, learning to recognize when she was pushing herself too hard, and adjusting her activities accordingly.
Graves’ disease is a condition that affects the immune system, causing it to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. This results in the gland producing more thyroid hormones than the body needs, leading to symptoms that can affect multiple organs and systems. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease are diverse and can include anxiety, irritability, hand tremors, sensitivity to heat, excessive sweating, weight loss, and changes in menstrual cycles. In some cases, it can also cause bulging eyes, a condition known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
For Ridley, the journey with Graves’ disease has been a learning experience. She has gained a deeper understanding of her body’s needs and limitations, and she continues to find ways to manage her symptoms while maintaining her busy career. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and proactive healthcare, especially when dealing with chronic conditions that can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
