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LOOK: Amy Schumer talks about Cushing’s syndrome
Amy Schumer has revealed that she was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder called Cushing’s syndrome.
The “Life & Beth” star has been on a media tour promoting the new season of her Hulu series, and after her rounds on TV shows, including an appearance on “Good Morning America” two weeks ago, the actress and comedian said that she had received a significant number of comments about her face and appearance, which helped her partly realize that something was not right.
Schumer told Jessica Yellin Newsletter “News, Not Noise” who has “exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, caused by receiving high-dose steroid injections.”
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Here’s what you should know about Cushing’s syndrome.
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder in which the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, which in addition to being known as the “stress hormone,” is involved in multiple systems in the body, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.
The hormonal disorder can be exogenous or endogenous, that is, it can be caused by something outside or inside the body. Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is rarer and has an internal cause, such as a tumor that produces too much cortisol.
Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, the type Schumer said he has, can be caused by an external factor, such as a steroid medication prescribed for a condition such as asthma or psoriasis.
MORE: Amy Schumer talks about Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome can affect both children and adults. Hormonal disorders tend to affect women more than men and are commonly misdiagnosed as another condition, such as metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome. People with type 2 diabetes or high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure, or those who take glucocorticoids, a type of steroid medication, may also develop Cushing’s syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?
There are multiple symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome and they can vary from person to person.
They may include:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Facial changes such as round or puffy face.
- Increased fat around the base of the neck.
- A hump on the back between the shoulders.
- Skin changes, such as easy bruising or new or unexplained wide, purple stretch marks, especially around the abdomen.
How is Cushing’s syndrome treated?
Treatment depends on whether the condition is exogenous or endogenous. Anyone with this hormonal disorder should seek treatment, as it can lead to other health problems, or can be life-threatening or even death if left untreated.
Some cases of Cushing’s syndrome may require surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or cortisol-lowering medications.