- Schumer reveals Cushing’s Syndrome diagnosis
- Symptoms sparked by steroid injections
- Discusses public scrutiny, health journey
Amy Schumer, an actress and director, revealed that she received high-dose corticosteroid injections that led to Cushing’s Syndrome.
After a slew of comments about her face—including fans noting it looked “puffier” in recent television interviews—she disclosed her condition.
Schumer initially attributed the change in her appearance to endometriosis in her response.
The subsequent diagnosis of Cushing’s disease, she said, “reborned” her.
“There are various types of Cushing’s. Some are potentially fatal and require adrenal gland removal or brain surgery,” the actress informed the News Not Noise newsletter.
She added, “I have the type of Cushing’s that resolves itself, and I am in good health, which is the best possible news.
Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by a prolonged elevation of cortisol, the body’s principal stress hormone, within the organism. It predominantly affects users of steroids.
Jessica Yellin, the founder of News Not Noise, stated she reached out to Schumer amid the online discourse about her physical appearance.
Schumer responded that, after reading the comments, she sought medical advice.
She told Yellin, “I was also in MRI machines for four hours at a time, having my veins shut down from the amount of blood drawn, and I was concerned I might not live to see my son grow up.”
In addition to health concerns, I was forced to appear on camera while the internet provided commentary.
“However, I thank God for that.” “Because it was in that way that I realised something was wrong.”
Earlier this month, Schumer appeared on US television to discuss the second season of the sitcom Life And Beth, in which she is a writer, director, and star.
The actress, who has also starred in the sketch show Inside Amy Schumer, the 2015 film Trainwreck, and 2018’s I Feel Pretty, visited The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The View during the promotional tour.
She then faced a barrage of jokes mocking her appearance, alongside medical speculation and words of encouragement.
Regarding her appearance, she said, “I’ve appreciated the conversation and feedback.”
The actress humorously continued on Instagram, stating she has faced such rumours “for nearly two decades […] as every woman does.”
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
The NHS website states that the syndrome is rare and, if untreated, can be severe.
It often results from prolonged use of steroid medication, especially tablets containing a synthetic form of cortisol.
In exceptionally rare cases, the syndrome may arise from an adrenal gland located above the kidneys or a tumour in the pituitary gland in the brain, causing the body to produce an excessive amount of cortisol.
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People often refer to cortisol as the “fight or flight” hormone. Its alarm signals to the brain in response to stress can affect nearly all body systems. Including digestion, sleep, and the immune system.
The syndrome is more common among adolescent women and is typically benign [noncancerous].
Without treatment, symptoms tend to gradually worsen, and one of the most visible signs, according to the website, is weight gain and increased body fat. Possible symptoms include:
- An increase in abdominal and chest fat, with slender arms and legs.
- A “buffalo hump,” or accumulation of fat on the back of the neck and shoulders.
- A round, swollen, and red face.
- Additional symptoms include easily bruised skin, prominent purple stretch marks, weakness in the upper arms and thighs, reduced libido and fertility issues, depressive symptoms, and mood swings.
