Actor, comedian and director Amy Schumer has said that she has Cushing’s Syndrome – having recently received a diagnosis for the condition.
Schumer sought medical advice after a barrage of comments on social media after her recent appearances on US TV, when she had a ‘puffier’ face than usual.
Initially, Schumer put her changed appearance down to the effects of endometriosis. However, after reading some of the comments online, she sought advice, and after extensive testing – including MRI scans and blood tests – she has received this diagnosis.
Cushing’s Syndrome is caused by an excess of the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cushing’s Syndrome – symptoms of which include a red, puffy rounded face, as well as things like weight gain, an increase in body fat around the chest and stomach and skin that bruises easily – can be serious if not treated but most people recover fully with treatment.
Schumer revealed the diagnosis on the News Not Noise newsletter, where she was interviewed by founder Jessica Yellin, who reached out to the star after online speculation about her health.
“There are a few types of Cushing. Some that can be fatal, require brain surgery or removal of adrenal glands,” Schumer told Yellin. “I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I’m healthy [which] was the greatest news imaginable.”
Schumer added that it was a stressful time as she worried about the severity of her illness and whether she would be able to see her young son grow up.
The comedian had been doing the rounds of US talk shows to promote season two of sitcom Life And Beth, which she stars in, as well as writing and directing.
She admitted that having people comment on the internet after her TV appearances did convince her something was wrong and to seek medical advice.
