Kaylah Walton
In a surprising revelation, “Star Wars” star Daisy Ridley has opened up about her personal health struggle, unveiling a new chapter in her life story. The 32-year-old actress, known for portraying Rey, revealed in an honest interview with Women’s Health that she received a diagnosis of Graves’ disease in September. This discovery came after she sought advice from an endocrinologist regarding persistent symptoms like hot flashes and extreme fatigue.
Ridley’s road to this diagnosis commenced after wrapping up filming for her latest project, “Magpie.” Initially, she dismissed her symptoms as mere repercussions of a demanding role, but the truth turned out to be more severe. Her condition progressed to entail a rapid heart rate, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, hand tremors, and severe irritability.
Graves’ disease, an autoimmune ailment affecting the thyroid, has posed a challenge in Ridley’s life. According to sources like the Mayo Clinic, this condition leads to excessive production of thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms such as nervousness, tremors, heat sensitivity, and weight loss. This disorder is notably familiar to television personality Wendy Williams, who has also confronted this challenging condition.
In an effort to manage her health, Ridley has made changes to her diet, notably reducing her gluten intake. This shift has notably enhanced her overall well-being. Reflecting on her previous state, she shared with Women’s Health, “I didn’t realize how bad I felt before. Then I looked back and thought, ‘How did I do that?'”
Insights from Daisy Ridley on women’s health and her personal struggles
Ridley also shed light on the broader issue of women’s health often being disregarded or minimized. She remarked, “It’s just normalized to not feel good,” underscoring the significance of recognizing and addressing health issues.
Globally recognized for her portrayal of Rey in the “Star Wars” trilogy, Ridley has ventured into more intimate film genres. Projects like “Sometimes I Think About Dying” and “Young Woman and the Sea” have showcased her diverse talents. In the latter film, Ridley portrays Gertrude Ederle, the trailblazing swimmer who conquered the English Channel.
This isn’t Ridley’s initial interaction with significant health challenges. She has previously discussed her battles with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, conditions that have plagued her since adolescence. In 2016, she used her Instagram platform to encourage others to prioritize seeking medical advice and taking proactive steps for their health.
Adding another layer to her health narrative, Ridley disclosed earlier this year that severe anxiety during her tenure in “Star Wars” resulted in the development of stomach ulcers. This revelation underscores the immense pressures and demands faced by actors in the limelight.
Despite these obstacles, Ridley remains strong and is gearing up to revisit her iconic role as Rey in an upcoming “Star Wars” film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The highly anticipated movie will delve into Rey’s quest to establish a new Jedi Order, extending the legacy of the distant galaxy.
