Actor Daisy Ridley recently revealed that she was diagnosed last year with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. The 32-year-old, best known for her role in the latest Star Wars trilogy, has previously opened up about her struggles with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries. However, after filming the 2023 thriller *Magpie*, Ridley experienced extreme fatigue and irritability, she shared in an interview with *Women’s Health* published on Tuesday.
Initially, Ridley attributed her symptoms—such as weight loss and hand tremors—to the demanding nature of the role. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role; presumably that’s why I feel poorly,'” she said. But after discussing her symptoms with a doctor, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease.
Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, is more prevalent in women than men, according to the European Thyroid Association. Other notable individuals who have dealt with the condition include rapper Missy Elliott and former US First Lady Barbara Bush.
Ridley highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing symptoms: “We all read the stats about women being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed and sort of coming to terms with saying, ‘I really, actually don’t feel good,'” she said.
Already following a vegan diet, Ridley has since made additional lifestyle changes, such as reducing her gluten intake.
The last installment of the Star Wars trilogy concluded in 2019 with *Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker*. Since then, Disney has announced plans for three new feature films in the Star Wars universe, one of which will see Ridley return as her character, Rey.
