Daisy Ridley recently revealed her Graves’ disease diagnosis, shedding light on her struggles with the autoimmune disorder. In an exclusive interview with Women’s Health, Ridley shared her journey, symptoms, and the lifestyle changes she’s made to manage the condition.
Understanding Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. It can cause various symptoms, including muscle weakness, intolerance to heat, and weight loss. Ridley experienced these symptoms intensely while filming the psychological thriller Magpie. Initially, she attributed her feelings of irritability and fatigue to the stressful role she was playing.
Ridley’s Symptoms and Diagnosis
Ridley’s symptoms included:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Hand tremors
- Feeling “tired but wired”
Despite these challenges, Ridley did not suffer from Graves’ ophthalmopathy, the most common form of Graves’ disease, which affects the eyes and can lead to pain and vision loss.
The Turning Point: Diagnosis and Lifestyle Changes
In September 2023, Ridley was diagnosed with Graves’ disease by her endocrinologist. This diagnosis prompted her to implement several lifestyle changes, including:
- Cutting gluten from her vegan diet
- Introducing new therapies and treatments
These changes have significantly improved her well-being. “I didn’t realize how bad I felt before,” Ridley remarked. “Then I looked back and thought, How did I do that?”
An Impressive Feat of Endurance
Ridley’s endurance is particularly noteworthy considering she was filming Disney’s Young Woman And The Sea at the time. She played Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel, showcasing incredible physical and mental stamina.
Prior Health Battles
This isn’t Ridley’s first experience with severe health issues. As a teen, she was diagnosed with endometriosis, and in her 20s, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both conditions can cause significant pain and health complications. These experiences have taught Ridley the importance of listening to her body and acknowledging when something isn’t right.
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Advocacy
Ridley’s story highlights the broader issue of women being undiagnosed or underdiagnosed. She emphasized the need for self-awareness and advocacy: “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’ and not going, ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine.’ It’s just normalized to not feel good.”
Addressing Real Audience Concerns
What is Graves’ disease? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and weight loss.
How did Daisy Ridley manage her condition? Ridley managed her condition through dietary changes, including cutting gluten from her vegan diet, and adopting new therapies and treatments.
Why is self-awareness important for managing health conditions? Self-awareness is crucial because it helps individuals recognize when something is wrong and seek appropriate medical attention. This is especially important for women, who are often undiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
Lessons from Daisy Ridley’s Journey
Ridley’s journey with Graves’ disease offers several key takeaways:
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice is essential.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dietary adjustments and therapies can significantly improve well-being.
- Advocacy: Speaking openly about health issues can help raise awareness and encourage others to seek help.
Simplifying Complex Concepts
Graves’ disease can be complex, but understanding the basics is crucial. It’s an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, heat intolerance, and weight loss. Managing the condition often involves lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and new therapies.
Relatable Stories and Examples
Imagine feeling constantly fatigued and irritable, only to discover it’s due to an underlying health condition. Ridley’s experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical advice when something feels off.
Conclusion: A Call for Greater Awareness
Daisy Ridley’s revelation about her Graves’ disease diagnosis highlights the importance of self-awareness and advocacy. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others to listen to their bodies and seek help when needed.
Key Takeaways
- Daisy Ridley reveals her Graves’ disease diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness.
- Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness and weight loss.
- Ridley’s lifestyle changes, including cutting gluten from her diet, have significantly improved her well-being.
- Her journey underscores the importance of women advocating for their health and recognizing when something isn’t right.
