Daisy Ridley Reveals She's Been Diagnosed With Graves' Disease

The "Star Wars: Force Awakens" actor says she initially dismissed her symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, as the byproducts of a taxing film role.

Daisy Ridley is opening up about her experience with Graves’ disease for the first time.

The British actor, best known for her portrayal of Rey in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, spoke at length about her diagnosis in an interview with Women’s Health published Tuesday. She first sought medical attention when she began experiencing symptoms ― including hot flashes, weight loss and fatigue ― after wrapping work on the film “Magpie,” which premiered at South by Southwest in March.

“I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role; presumably that’s why I feel poorly,’” Ridley told the publication, before noting that she was formally diagnosed in September of last year.

The National Institutes of Health define Graves’ disease as an autoimmune disorder which can cause hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. Over time, the condition can lead to blood clots, thinning bones, infertility and heart failure. It mostly impacts young to middle-aged women, and often runs in families.

Upon receiving the diagnosis, Ridley experienced a period of grief and sadness, followed by irritation as well.