Amy Schumer revealed that she has Cushing's syndrome.
The Emmy-winning actress, 42, shared her diagnosis in Jessica Yellin's News Not Noise newsletter on Friday, just days after fans expressed concern that her face looked “swollen.”
The star said she learned of her condition while promoting the second season of her show Life & Beth after speculation about her appearance made her realize “something was wrong.”
“It was a crazy couple.” [of] weeks for me and my family. Aside from the fears for my health, I also had to be in front of the camera and turn on the internet. But thank God for that. Because that's how I realized something was wrong.'
Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs when your body produces too much of the hormone cortisol (known as the stress hormone) over a long period of time.
Amy Schumer, 42, revealed she has Cushing's syndrome just days after fans expressed concern about her “swollen” face; seen on February 14th in New York City
The star revealed her diagnosis in Jessica Yellin's News Not Noise newsletter and said she found out about her condition while promoting the second season of her show Life & Beth
Symptoms can include weight gain on the face and torso, a lump of fat between the shoulders, pink or purple stretch marks, brittle skin, and more.
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for Cushing's syndrome aims to lower the amount of cortisol in the body and depends on the cause of the syndrome.
Amy explained her journey to finding out her diagnosis: “While I was doing on-camera press shoots for my Hulu show, I was also sitting in MRI machines for four hours straight with my veins closing up due to the amount of blood being drawn and I thought I could do it. 'I won't be there to see my son grow up.'
“So finding out that I have Cushing’s disease that resolves on its own and I’m healthy was the best news imaginable.”
When asked why she decided to share her “personal medical information,” Schumer said she wanted to “advocate for women's health.”
“The shaming and criticism of our ever-changing bodies is something I have grappled with and witnessed for a long time.”
“I so desperately want women to love themselves and fight relentlessly for their own health in a system that usually doesn’t believe them.”
She added that her diagnosis is “a great example of how we never know what's going on with someone.”
She shared that recent speculation about her appearance helped her realize that “something was wrong.” seen on February 13th on The Tonight Show
“Apart from worrying about my health, I also had to be in front of the camera and turn on the internet. But thank God for that.” Because that’s when I realized something was wrong.
Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs when your body produces too much of the hormone cortisol (known as the stress hormone) over a long period of time. seen on February 14th in NYC
“Everyone is struggling with something.” Maybe we can all be a little kinder to each other and ourselves.”
What is Cushing's Syndrome?
Cushing's disease occurs when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period of time.
Too much cortisol can cause some of the key symptoms of Cushing's syndrome – or Cushing's disease – namely a bump of fat between the shoulders, a round face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin.
Treatments for Cushing's syndrome can reduce cortisol levels in the body and improve symptoms. The earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of recovery.
Source: Mayo Clinic
On Tuesday, Schumer said she felt her online critics were upset that she wasn't “thinner” and “prettier” as she discussed online trolling.
She appeared on the podcast Not Skinny But Not Fat, where she said she felt particularly targeted by trolls because of her appearance.
“I think they're mad that I'm not skinnier, I think they're mad that I'm not prettier,” the New York native said, “and that I still feel like I have the right to speak.”
The “Life & Beth” star, who opened up about her battle with endometriosis earlier this month amid speculation about a “puffy” face, said the hostility she's faced online is related to misogyny .
“I think they don't want a woman to speak – I mean, what woman has ever opened her mouth and not been torn to pieces?” Schumer said.
The Trainwreck star said that people online have revealed that they feel “very comfortable shagging her” as “there's a lot of passion out there for her.”
“I could focus on this and it doesn’t feel good when the whole internet is mad at you,” Schumer said. “Don’t get me wrong – it doesn’t feel good and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone who doesn’t deserve it.”
Last week, she addressed online speculation about her appearance after making promotional appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show for the second season of her Hulu series Life & Beth
In 2021, she had her uterus and appendix removed as she had to undergo a hysterectomy to treat her endometriosis
On Tuesday, Schumer said she felt her online critics were upset that she wasn't “thinner” and “prettier” when she was in a discussion about online trolling; Seen in 2017
When asked if she had developed a “thick skin” after more than a decade in the spotlight, the “Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo” author said she was used to being targeted by trolls.
“It's been a long time since people have come for me,” said Schumer, who shares son Gene, four, with husband Chris Fischer, 44.
Schumer addressed online speculation about her appearance last week after making promotional appearances on Good Morning America and The Tonight Show for the second season of her Hulu series Life & Beth.
In a February 15 Instagram post, Schumer told her 13 million followers that she was battling the autoimmune disease endometriosis, which caused swelling.
“Thank you for all the contributions about my face!” she said. “Like all women, I've been happy to receive feedback and advice about my appearance for almost 20 years.” And you're right, it's more swollen than normal at the moment.
“I have endometriosis, an autoimmune disease that every woman should read about. “There are some medical and hormonal issues going on in my world at the moment, but I'm fine.”
Schumer said she believes “a woman doesn't need an apology for the way she looks and doesn't owe an explanation,” but responded to the speculation to “advocate for self-love and acceptance of the skin you wear.”
Schumer continued, “Like any other woman/person, some days I feel confident and damn good, and other days I want to put a bag over my head.” But I feel strong and beautiful and I'm so proud of this TV show I created. Wrote. Lead actor and director.'
She's been busy promoting the second season of her show “Life & Beth,” now available to stream on Hulu; Pictured with Michael Cera in a still from the trailer
Schumer noted that “women's bodies have historically received little medical attention compared to men's” and noted that author Elizabeth Comen's new book “All in Her Head” “explains this well.”
According to a Mayo Clinic description, endometriosis is “an often painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.”
“The ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis are often affected. In rare cases, endometriosis growths can be found outside the area where the pelvic organs are located.
According to the clinic, pain associated with the condition may increase “during menstruation” and “fertility problems” may also develop.
Season 2 of Amy's show Life & Beth is now available to stream on Hulu.