Amy Schumer Says She Received Cushing Syndrome Diagnosis Thanks to Online Comments

What Led to the Diagnosis

Amy Schumer was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the body — thanks to comments from people on the internet who noticed her “puffier face,” she recently shared. Speaking on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, she said that medical professionals addressing her online told her to seek medical attention for Cushing syndrome.

“When I was going through, I guess it was like a year ago, and the internet really came for me after doing a bunch of press, and I was like, ‘OK, everybody like, relax,'” she recalled. “Doctors were chiming in in the comments and they were, like, ‘No, no … something’s really up. Your face looks so crazy.'”

“And I’m like, wait, I’m getting trolled by doctors?” she continued. “They were like, ‘We think you have something called Cushing and it’s like, about spiking cortisol, about cortisol levels and steroids, injection whatever.'”

What is Cushing Syndrome?

Mayo Clinic describes Cushing syndrome as a condition that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol over a long period of time, or from taking glucocorticoid medicines. There are two types of Cushing syndrome: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous Cushing syndrome is brought on by taking glucocorticoid medicines, which are typically used to treat inflammatory diseases and pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is the version Schumer was diagnosed with. Those who have endogenous Cushing syndrome have increased cortisol, which could have been a result of problems with the pituitary or adrenal glands, per the Mayo Clinic.

What are the Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are common symptoms of Cushing syndrome for both men and women:

• Weight gain in the trunk of the body, accompanied by thin arms and legs
• Weight gain in the face, sometimes called “moon face”
• A fatty lump between the shoulders, sometimes called a “buffalo hump”
• Pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms
• Thin, frail skin that bruises easily
• Slow wound healing
• Acne

Women may experience a condition called hirsutism, which manifests as “thick, dark hair on the face and body,” as well as irregular periods or periods that stop. Men could experience lower sex drive, reduced fertility and problems getting an erection.

Is Cushing Syndrome Fatal and What are the Treatments?

Cushing syndrome is treatable. The goal of treatment is to lower cortisol in the body, according to Mayo Clinic, which can involve lowering the use of glucocorticoid medicine, surgery, radiation therapy and medicine. Some medications used for treatment include ketoconazole, osilodrostat (Isturisa), mitotane (Lysodren), levoketoconazole (Recorlev), and metyrapone (Metopirone), mifepristone (Korlym, Mifeprex) and Pasireotide (Signifor). However, side effects for these medications could include tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, high blood pressure, low potassium and swelling, per Mayo Clinic.

What Else Has Amy Schumer Said About Her Health?

In a Feb. 15 Instagram post, the “Life & Beth” star reminded followers that she’s been diagnosed with endometriosis, which the Mayo Clinic describes as an often painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. In September 2021, Schumer revealed that she had her uterus and appendix removed due to endometriosis. The actor has also previously discussed her experience with hyperemesis gravidarum during her first pregnancy with her son, Gene, as well as her difficult delivery because of complications caused by endometriosis.

Conclusion

Amy Schumer’s diagnosis with Cushing syndrome serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention and advocating for one’s health. Her openness about her experiences with endometriosis and other health issues has inspired many to do the same.

FAQs

Q: What is Cushing syndrome?
A: Cushing syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the body.

Q: What are the symptoms of Cushing syndrome?
A: Common symptoms include weight gain, acne, thin skin, and moon face.

Q: Is Cushing syndrome fatal?
A: No, Cushing syndrome is treatable.

Q: What are the treatments for Cushing syndrome?
A: Treatments include lowering the use of glucocorticoid medicine, surgery, radiation therapy, and medicine.

Q: Has Amy Schumer spoken about her health before?
A: Yes, Schumer has spoken about her experiences with endometriosis, hyperemesis gravidarum, and other health issues.