What Is Graves’ Disease? Erin Moriarty’s ‘Painful’ Condition

via @erinelairmoriarty

Erin Moriarty has described her struggle with Graves’ Disease as she filmed the latest season of The Boys.

The actress has been open and honest about her experience of the disorder, which she says has been “super painful” for her.

But what is Graves’ Disease, and how has it been affecting Erin’s health?

What is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as an overactive thyroid.

The disorder causes the body to mistakenly produce more antibodies, tricking the thyroid into working over time. This can lead to weight loss, anxiety, tremors and fatigue.

The condition tends to affect women more than men, particularly targeting women over the age of 30.

via Prime Video

What has Erin Moriarty said about having Graves’ Disease?

Erin shared her Graves’ Disease diagnosis this month, detailing on Instagram how the condition has affected her.

“Okay, so: season 5, episode 4 of The Boys is one of the most important episodes I’ve ever shot,” she wrote. “Unfortunately, that part of the season coincided with my health issues peaking before my diagnosis.

“I’m saving you the gnarly part of this picture but not long after this episode, I started to lose the ability to walk. The numbness in my feet led to a lot of falling.”

“The night before we shot my segment of this episode, I fell and shredded up my knee. I barely have any bts shots of this season, especially as things worsened.

“This isn’t a pity post. It’s mostly to say: fuck autoimmune disease. Fuck it so hard. Fuck the ignorance surrounding it, too. I can’t remedy that ignorance but not being outspoken about it occasionally feels wrong.”

via @erinelairmoriarty

Erin also told The Hollywood Reporter that this will be the first time she won’t be watching the show back as it airs.

“I’ve watched every season of The Boys. I love this show so much,” she said. “But I’m not watching the final season simply because it’s really important for me at this moment in time to put my psychological health above all other things.”

“I wasn’t able to transcend the physical and mental toll that this disease took on me until episode seven. It’s a testament to how profoundly impactful these autoimmune diseases can be, and I don’t think that people are aware to the degree that they can be.”

How do you treat Graves’ Disease?

There is no cure for Graves’ Disease but the condition can be managed with anti-thyroid medication.

Some patients also opt for radioactive iodine therapy or surgery to remove the thyroid gland, to manage the symptoms of the condition.