On June 13, The Boys star Erin Moriarty got real on Instagram, opening up about her recent Graves’ disease diagnosis. In a candid post she wrote:
“Autoimmune disease manifests differently in everybody/every body. Your experience will be different from mine. My experience will be different from yours. Perhaps greatly, perhaps minutely. One thing I can say: if I hadn’t chalked it all up to stress and fatigue, I would’ve caught this sooner. 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. If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked. Don’t ‘suck it up’ and transcend suffering; you deserve to be comfy. Shit’s hard enough as is.”
Erin’s transparency has struck a chord—fans and fellow performers are applauding her for destigmatizing health struggles and urging everyone to listen to their bodies. She credits early treatment with turning things around almost immediately: “I felt the light coming back on,” she says, reminding us that self‑care isn’t selfish.
If you haven’t yet met Annie January (Starlight), now’s the time to binge The Boys on Amazon Prime Video
Synopsis of The Boys: In a world where superheroes abuse their powers, a vigilante group known as “The Boys” fights to expose the deadly corruption behind “The Seven” and the mega‑conglomerate Vought International. Erin Moriarty stars as Starlight, a hero torn between her morals and the brutal realities of fame.
Understanding Graves’ Disease: A Quick Guide
What Is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
Common Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tremors (shaking hands)
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Why It Happens
In Graves’ disease, antibodies called thyroid‑stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) bind to thyroid cells and tell them to ramp up hormone production. The exact trigger isn’t fully understood but involves a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental factors (infections, stress).
Diagnosis & Tests
- Blood tests: measure thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
- Antibody tests: check for TSIs.
- Radioactive iodine uptake scan: assesses how the thyroid absorbs iodine.
Treatment Options
- Anti‑thyroid medications (e.g., methimazole) to reduce hormone production
- Beta‑blockers to manage rapid heart rate and tremors
- Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the thyroid gland
- Surgery (thyroidectomy) in select cases
Living with Graves’ Disease
- Regular check‑ups and lab work are essential.
- Medication adherence is crucial—don’t “suck it up.”
- Lifestyle tweaks: balanced diet, stress management, moderate exercise.
- Join support groups or seek counseling for emotional well‑being.
Graves’ disease can feel overwhelming—but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people regain a healthy balance and quality of life. If you notice persistent symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or heart palpitations, talk to your doctor. Remember, listening to your body is step one toward feeling better.
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