Comedian Amy Schumer was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome in early 2024, a condition caused by the body producing or receiving too much of the hormone cortisol. Specifically, her case was exogenous, resulting from steroid injections used to treat a previous diagnosis of endometriosis.
Cushing syndrome happens when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol for a long time. This can result from the body making too much cortisol, or from taking medicines called glucocorticoids, which affect the body the same way as cortisol.
Schumer reported that the condition was caused by previous steroid treatment for endometriosis. “In Amy Schumer's case, the reason why she has Cushing's syndrome is because she has received too many steroid injections,” said endocrinologist Mary Crowell, MD, at the Endocrine Center of Cape Cod in Hyannis.
Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease, while rare, have become more well-known with stars like Amy Schumer, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson speaking out about their struggles with the illness, which is a result of the body producing too much of a hormone called cortisol.
What does a person with Cushing's disease look like?
A person with Cushing's disease might have one or the following symptoms: Depression, anxiety, problems with memory and attention—a general mind "fog" Buffalo hump, a fat pad between shoulders. Unexplained osteoporosis or brittle bones.
The medical term is moon facies (caused by fat accumulation in the face) or facial plethora (caused by increased blood flow to the face and facial swelling), which is a relatively common symptom of Cushing's syndrome where there is weight gain in the face that generally also comes with redness in the face.
Chronic alcohol abuse leads to the physical and endocrinological findings of Cushing's syndrome in some, but not all, chronic alcoholics, but even in alcoholic patients with a cushingoid appearance normal results have been reported when the HPA axis was tested (10,17).
Cushing disease is caused by elevated levels of a hormone called cortisol , which leads to a wide variety of signs and symptoms. This condition usually occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 50; however, children may also be affected.
I no longer have Cushing syndrome so my face went back to normal. I am grateful to be strong and healthy especially for my son." (📸: Getty Images, Amy Schumer)
Amy Schumer reveals 7 "horrible" taking Ozempic . She had to stop taking her weekly Ozempic injections after suffering FIFS from extreme nausea and sickness: . 비 was vomiting and then you have no energy, but other people take tا and they're all good." .
Sudha Penumala, MD: Yes, inappropriately elevated cortisol for a long period of time can change the face shape. It causes more rounding of the face. Typically, there is weight gain in the face and in the abdomen. It can also cause fat accumulation at the back of the neck.
Cushing disease is caused by a tumor or excess growth (hyperplasia) of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located just below the base of the brain. A type of pituitary tumor called an adenoma is the most common cause.
Which patient is most likely to have Cushing's disease?
Cushing's syndrome affects about three times as many women as men. In people who have type 2 diabetes and blood glucose levels that stay too high over time, along with high blood pressure, Cushing's syndrome may be the cause.
Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates combine movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. Research confirms that yoga has a strong cortisol-lowering effect. These exercises engage the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body post-stress. Even short daily sessions can help.
Like many celebrities, comedian and actress Amy Schumer fields a fair number of scathing remarks when photos of her are published online. But when people started commenting about the 43-year-old's "moon face" in 2024, the Internet trolls inadvertently proved valuable, leading to her diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.
Moon face is when fat deposits build up along the sides of your face, causing severe swelling. The swelling can make your face look round and puffy. Moon face is a common side effect of corticosteroid use and a symptom of certain health conditions. Although harmless, the condition can affect your self-esteem.
Some people have an abnormal amount of cortisol that is caused by something unrelated to Cushing's syndrome such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, depression, pregnancy, and obesity. This is called pseudo-Cushing state.
Psychiatric symptoms were present in 20 to 83 percent of patients with CS. These psychiatric manifestations included depression (55–81%),4,8,9,11–15 anxiety (12%),4 mania or hypomania (3–27%),4,8 confusion (1%),4 psychosis (8%),4 and panic disorder (53%).
What Are the Warning Signs of Cushing's? Vets refer to the five P's: polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance. Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
