Actress and filmmaker Amy Schumer recently disclosed her battle with Cushing's Syndrome, a condition triggered by high doses of steroid injections. The revelation came after fans noticed a change in her appearance, prompting Schumer to initially attribute it to endometriosis.
Subsequent diagnosis of Cushing's left Schumer feeling "reborn," as she shared in the News Not Noise newsletter. She expressed gratitude that her variant of Cushing's is manageable without extreme measures like surgery.
Cushing's syndrome arises from prolonged elevation of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, commonly associated with steroid use. Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise, reached out to Schumer after observing online discussions about her appearance, to which Schumer responded that she had sought medical attention after noticing the comments.
Schumer described undergoing extensive medical tests, fearing for her health and future with her son. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the online chatter, as it led to the discovery of her condition.
The actress had been promoting the second season of her sitcom "Life And Beth" on various TV shows, including "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and "The View," where she faced a mix of jokes, medical speculation, and supportive comments about her appearance.
Acknowledging the scrutiny, Schumer stated that such commentary has been a part of her life for nearly two decades, as it is for many women.
Cushing's syndrome manifests through symptoms such as weight gain, redistribution of body fat, a characteristic "buffalo hump" on the back, and a swollen face. Other signs include easy bruising, prominent purple stretch marks, muscle weakness, decreased libido, mood swings, and depression.
Schumer's disclosure drew attention to the condition, with organizations like the Pituitary Foundation commending her for raising awareness about Cushing's Syndrome.