After being teased online for having a “moon face,” Amy Schumer found out she has a rare hormonal condition called Cushing’s syndrome. She has bravely shared her diagnosis to raise awareness about the condition.
Amy Schumer, the American actor and comedian known for hits like Trainwreck, Snatched, Expecting Amy, and Life & Beth, is one of the biggest stars in comedy.
However, the mom-of-one, who often uses self-deprecating humor in her work, became the target of harsh online comments from anonymous internet trolls.
Some people criticized Amy Schumer for her face looking “puffy,” even calling it a “moon face.” However, while some made jokes, others, including experts, urged her to see a doctor. This led to her diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome.
Amy Schumer And Cushing’s Syndrome
The comments about Schumer started after she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in early 2024.
At 42 years old, Schumer received mixed reactions about her appearance after her face appeared very swollen. Some people made fun of her, while others expressed real concern.
Eventually, after doctors reached out with concern, she was diagnosed with a condition called Cushing’s syndrome.
Speaking to Alex Cooper on an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Schumer said: “At first I was like, ‘f*ck off’.”
“Doctors were chiming in in the comments and they were, like, ‘No, no, something’s really up. Your face looks so crazy’.
“I’m like, ‘Wait, I’m getting trolled by doctors?'”
She continued, “Doctors were chiming in in the comments and they were, like, ‘No, no, something’s really up. Your face looks so crazy’.”
Cushing’s Syndrome Explained
Cushing’s syndrome happens when the body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol.
This is the steroid hormone that helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and the body’s response to stress, which is why it is also called the ‘stress hormone’.
“It can be serious if it’s not treated,” official NHS guidance says, adding that it can lead to high blood pressure if left untreated.
But why do people develop it?
In most cases, Cushing’s syndrome happens when someone has been taking steroid medicine, especially steroid tablets, for a long time.
Cushing’s Syndrome Symptoms
One of the main signs is weight gain and more body fat, according to NHS guidance. This can show as extra fat on your chest and stomach while your arms and legs stay slim.
There might also be fat buildup on the back of your neck and shoulders, called a “buffalo hump.” A red, puffy, rounded face – like what Schumer experienced – is also common.
Other symptoms include skin that bruises easily, large purple stretch marks, and weakness in the upper arms and thighs.
People with Cushing’s may also have a low sex drive and trouble with fertility. Schumer’s experience included having her only child through a C-section because she had endometriosis, a condition that makes it hard to get pregnant. She had her uterus removed in 2021 because of ongoing problems with the condition.
Depression and mood swings are also common in people with Cushing’s.
How To Treat Cushing’s Syndrome
Depending on what caused Cushing’s, there are different treatments to help people with the condition.
If your doctor finds that steroid use caused it, they may slowly reduce or stop the dose you are taking, according to the NHS. If a tumor caused the condition, surgery may be needed to remove it. Radiotherapy can also be used to remove the tumor, followed by medicines to reduce cortisol’s effects on your body.
According to the NHS, “Cushing’s syndrome usually improves with treatment, but it may take a long time to fully recover.”
