What is Graves' Disease? Daisy Ridley Reveals Autoimmune Disorder Diagnosis

Actor Daisy Ridley recently disclosed that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in September 2023. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce too many hormones. Symptoms often include shakiness, sensitivity to heat, weight loss, and skin irritation.

Daisy Ridley Reveals Autoimmune Disorder Diagnosis

In a recent interview with Women’s Health, Ridley shared that she began experiencing these symptoms after filming Sam Yates’ thriller Magpie in 2024. She noticed an increased heart rate, rapid weight loss, exhaustion, and trembling hands. Initially, she attributed her symptoms to the stress of playing a challenging role. "I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role,’ presumably because that’s why I feel poorly," Ridley said.

However, when she consulted an endocrinologist, she realised the gravity of her condition. The doctor described the feeling of Graves’ disease as being "tired but weird," which resonated with Ridley. It dawned on her how irritable she had become during the early stages of the disease. "It was funny; I was like, ‘Oh, I just thought I was annoyed at the world, But it turns out everything is functioning so quickly, you can’t chill out," she shared.

Following her diagnosis, Ridley made some lifestyle changes to manage her condition. A long-time vegan, she also decided to cut out gluten from her diet. While she admits she isn’t "super strict about it," she finds that the dietary change generally makes her "feel better."

To help with her symptoms, the actor has incorporated various wellness practices into her routine. These include infrared saunas, cryotherapy, and acupuncture. Additionally, she carries a piece of rose quartz, which is believed to calm emotional turmoil, deepen inner peace, and promote self-love.

"I do a fair amount of the holistic stuff, but I also understand that it is a privilege to be able to do those things," Ridley acknowledged. Despite the challenges, Ridley remains positive and proactive about managing her health. 

What is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder characterised by hyperthyroidism, resulting from circulating autoantibodies. These thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) attach to and activate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to the enlargement of the thyroid gland and increased production of thyroid hormone.

Graves' disease, alongside Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is classified as an autoimmune thyroid disorder. The most effective screening test for thyroid disorders is the ultrasensitive (third-generation) TSH assay. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and addressing the thyrotoxic state. Graves' disease is named after Dr. Robert J. Graves, who first described the condition in 1835.