Amy Schumer has never shied away from speaking candidly about her health, and her latest revelation is no exception. The comedian and actress recently shared that she was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, a rare disorder that led to noticeable changes in her appearance—most notably, a rounder, puffier face.
How Amy Discovered Her Diagnosis
Amy first addressed her changing appearance while promoting her Hulu series Life & Beth in early 2024. Online speculation about her "puffier than normal" face was relentless, but she initially brushed it off. However, when medical professionals started expressing concern, she took the comments more seriously.
Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Amy recalled her realisation: “At first, I was like, ‘F*ck off,’” she said of the online criticism. But then she connected the dots—she had been receiving steroid injections for scars from a breast reduction and Cesarean section, both of which can contribute to the development of Cushing syndrome.
After undergoing extensive testing, including multiple MRIs and blood work, Amy received her diagnosis. Fortunately, she has a type of Cushing syndrome that is expected to resolve on its own. "Finding out I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I’m healthy was the greatest news imaginable," she shared in a newsletter update.
What Is Cushing Syndrome?
Cushing syndrome is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.
The condition can be classified into two types:
Exogenous Cushing Syndrome: Caused by external factors, such as long-term use of corticosteroids (as in Amy’s case).
Endogenous Cushing Syndrome: Caused by the body producing excess cortisol due to tumours in the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Common Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome
Cushing syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
Weight gain, particularly in the upper body
Thinning of arms and legs
A round, puffy face (often called "moon face")
Increased fat deposits around the neck and shoulders
Fragile skin that bruises easily
Weak muscles and fatigue
Wide, purple stretch marks on the abdomen, hips, or breasts
How Is Cushing Syndrome Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If medication is responsible, doctors typically recommend gradually reducing the dosage or switching to an alternative. If the condition is caused by a tumour, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Most cases of Cushing syndrome are treatable, and with proper management, individuals can go on to live healthy lives. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to serious complications, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Amy’s Journey Forward
Despite the challenges of dealing with the condition in the public eye, Amy Schumer has maintained her signature sense of humour. In her upcoming film Kinda Pregnant, she even references her diagnosis in a scene where her character is mistaken for being five months pregnant due to facial bloating.
While Cushing syndrome is rare, Amy’s openness about her diagnosis is helping to raise awareness. Her story highlights the importance of paying attention to changes in one’s health and seeking medical advice when something feels off.
For those experiencing unexplained weight gain, facial swelling, or fatigue, Amy’s journey serves as a reminder: sometimes, internet trolls aren’t the only ones noticing changes—your body might be trying to tell you something, too.
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