“The Boys” actress Erin Moriarty is using her platform to spotlight an often-overlooked autoimmune condition— Graves' disease. In an intimate Instagram post, Moriarty, 30, explained how she thought her symptoms were just stress and exhaustion but was properly diagnosed with Graves' disease last month—an autoimmune disease that impacts 1 in 100 Americans.Erin Moriarty, posted on Instagram to announce she has been diagnosed with Graves' disease. At first, she had written off her symptoms as just "stress and fatigue." But after treatment began last month, she felt an incredible change in her health. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment, I started feeling the light turn back on — and it's just gotten brighter ever since," she posted. Encouraging her fans to listen to their own health, she added, "If your light is fading, even a little bit, go get checked."This revelation doesn't just underscore the need to heed our bodies—it also yanks Graves' disease out of medical invisibility and into mainstream health conversation. Here's what you need to know about the condition, its symptoms, who it most affects, and how early diagnosis can be a life-saver.What Is Graves' Disease?Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, leading it to release excessive hormones beyond what the body requires. It results in hyperthyroidism—overactive metabolism—and impacts almost every organ in the body.As stated by the National Institutes of Health, this hormonal excess can interrupt the normal energy balance of the body and lead to a wide range of symptoms that may go unseen or be attributed to contemporary stressors.Moriarty's story is typical of numerous instances in which early symptoms of autoimmune malfunction are written off. "Autoimmune disease presents differently in everybody/every body," she wrote. In her case, it was a strange degree of fatigue and emotional burnout. "If I hadn't attributed it all to stress and fatigue, I would've caught this sooner."Within 24 hours of starting treatment, Moriarty reported feeling "the light coming back on"—evidence of how rapidly Graves' disease can recover with the proper treatment when caught early.Signs of Graves' Disease to Watch Out ForGraves' disease has no one, obvious symptom. Rather, it's usually a disorienting mix of physical and emotional symptoms. Early signs are:Sensitivity to heatUnexplained weight loss even though appetite is normal or increasedFatigue, insomnia, or nervousnessAnxiety, irritability, and tremorsWith worsening of the disease, people may have:Rapid heart rate or palpitationsIncreased bowel movementsShortness of breathInterrupted menstrual periodsErectile dysfunction or decreased libidoOne of the more overt effects is Graves' ophthalmopathy—occasionally seen in a third of patients—which may result in:Bulging or irritated eyesBlurred or double visionLight sensitivityEye pressure or painIt is rare that patients will develop Graves' dermopathy, a thickened and colored skin eruption, particularly on the shins.What Causes Graves' Disease?Though precise causes are unknown, the Cleveland Clinic identifies a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A renegade immune system starts to make antibodies that hyperstimulate the thyroid gland. Heredity accounts for approximately 79% of the risk factor, but stress, infections, and hormonal changes may serve as the trigger.Moriarty's experience is familiar to many young women who discount recurring symptoms until they have reached a crisis point. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment," she wrote, "I began to feel the light coming on."Who's Most at Risk?Graves' disease is a relatively uncommon condition, but it strikes disproportionately against women, five times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Risk factors are:Family history of autoimmune disordersDeficiency in vitamin D or seleniumSmokingUnderlying conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, or rheumatoid arthritisWomen in their 20s and 30s—such as Moriarty—are especially susceptible, making it even more important to be aware of it early on, says Yale Medicine.Treating Graves' DiseaseIn the U.S., treatment usually begins with medicines known as antithyroid medications, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, which suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Most individuals start feeling better within a short time, but complete remission takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.When medications do not bring long-term relief from Graves' disease, more intensive measures may be needed. Radioiodine therapy is a common technique that destroys the excess thyroid tissue. When the condition is more severe or does not respond to other measures, a thyroidectomy might be necessary. Because both procedures can result in hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is usually lifelong to sustain hormonal equilibrium. As in the case of Erin Moriarty, identifying symptoms early and taking prompt action can greatly enhance the quality of life and avert complications.What Are The Risks of Not Treating Graves' Disease?Untreated, Graves' disease can severely impact overall health and result in several complications. One of the more alarming risks is atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heart rhythm that can worsen to heart failure or stroke. In extreme cases, the patient can suffer a thyroid storm — a sudden and life-threatening injection of thyroid hormones. The disease also leads to osteoporosis over time, making the patient more prone to fractures through weakened bones. Furthermore, there's also a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. For pregnant women, the stakes are even greater: if left untreated, Graves' disease can result in severe consequences including miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. These complications make early diagnosis and continued management critically important.Celebrity disclosures like Moriarty’s bring invaluable attention to conditions that are often misunderstood or stigmatized. By sharing her journey, Moriarty not only shed light on Graves’ disease but also issued a crucial call to action,“Go get checked.”If you’ve been experiencing persistent fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore the signs. In Moriarty’s words: “If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked.”