Erin Moriarty Graves’ Disease Battle: How it Almost Destroyed Me

I went through a tumultuous journey of misdiagnoses and self-doubt before finally discovering the root cause of my debilitating symptoms. From post-birth-control syndrome to bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and more, various potential diagnoses were suggested, but none seemed to fit. As a woman, I felt the pressure to downplay my pain and question the severity of my symptoms, which only added to the confusion and distress I was experiencing.

While portraying the character of Starlight on The Boys, my symptoms began to escalate, creating a divide between myself and the role I had come to embody. The fatigue, mood swings, cognitive decline, and other troubling symptoms made daily life and work increasingly challenging. Despite the public scrutiny and speculation around my health, I continued to push through until I could no longer ignore the severity of my condition.

After years of grappling with undiagnosed symptoms, I finally received an answer in May 2025: I had Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting my thyroid. While the diagnosis brought a sense of relief and clarity, the road to recovery was far from easy. Months later, I found myself hospitalized following a mental health crisis, realizing the toll that years of suffering had taken on my well-being.

Recovery from Graves’ disease has been a gradual process, marked by setbacks and moments of clarity. Learning to listen to my body, prioritize my health, and redefine strength as resilience rather than endurance has been a transformative journey. Sharing my story openly is a way to shed light on the challenges faced by women with chronic illnesses, hoping to empower others to listen to their bodies and seek help sooner.

My hope is that by speaking out about my experience, I can help others recognize the early signs of illness and advocate for their well-being before it reaches a crisis point. Trusting your body’s signals and seeking support when needed is essential in maintaining health and well-being. Remember, the body whispers long before it screams—listen closely and care for yourself as you would care for a loved one.