The Boys star Erin Moriarty recently revealed her diagnosis of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she emphasized the importance of listening to one's body, especially when experiencing pain. “Autoimmune disease manifests differently in everybody/every body,” Moriarty wrote. “Your experience will be different from mine. My experience will be different from yours. Perhaps greatly, perhaps minutely.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones. This autoimmune disorder is particularly prevalent among women and individuals under the age of 40. Symptoms can vary widely and may include heat sensitivity, unintentional weight loss, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and in some cases, Graves' ophthalmopathy. This eye condition affects approximately one in three individuals with Graves’ disease, leading to symptoms such as bulging eyes, light sensitivity, and pressure or irritation in the eyes.
If left untreated, Graves’ disease can result in serious health complications, including heart problems and osteoporosis. Treatment options are available and typically include medications such as beta-blockers and antithyroid agents, along with potential options like radioiodine therapy and surgery. Moriarty stressed the importance of not dismissing symptoms, stating, “One thing I can say: if I hadn’t chalked it all up to stress and fatigue, I would’ve caught this sooner.”
In her Instagram post, Moriarty shared, “A month ago, I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Within 24 hours of beginning treatment, I felt the light coming back on. It’s been increasing in strength ever since.” She urged her followers to seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms, saying, “If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked. Don’t ‘suck it up’ and transcend suffering; you deserve to be comfy. Sh–’s hard enough as is.”
Alongside her personal account, Moriarty included screenshots of text messages sent to her parents during her struggle with the illness. One message, sent before her diagnosis, expressed her desperation for relief: “I feel nauseated tonight. I feel so sh– and removed from who I am, I can’t live like this forever.” After beginning treatment, she shared a more positive outlook: “I already feel a world of a difference, primary thought (as of now): ‘damn, this is how I’m supposed to feel? I’ve been missing out!'”
In the comments section of her post, many of her industry peers expressed their support with encouraging emojis. Notably, her The Boys co-star Susan Heyward and See actress Nesta Cooper joined others in sending well wishes, while The Boys director Shana Stein remarked, “So happy you’re on the road to healing.”
