Many are asking about moon face after Amy Schumer revealed that her swollen face was caused by Cushing syndrome. As the comedian explained during an interview with Alex Cooper on her Call Her Daddy podcast, internet trolls commented about her puffy face and she dismissed them until doctors began chiming in. This led to diagnosis of Cushing syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause what is medically called “moon face” or “moon facies.”
How did Cushing syndrome cause Amy Schumer’s “moon face”?
Amy Schumer’s moon face was caused by Cushing syndrome, a condition that occurs when the body holds on to too much cortisol, commonly called the stress hormone. One of the possible side effects of Cushing syndrome is rapid weight gain in the face, chest, abdomen, and neck.
After consulting with her doctors, Schumer discovered that her condition resulted from steroid injections, which she had been using after being treated for a breast reduction and a C-section. This led to a buildup of fat deposits on her face and body.
Using a steroid medication like prednisone, according to Cleveland Clinic, for a long time can cause moon face, Cushing syndrome, and hypothyroidism. Healthcare providers prescribe steroids and corticosteroids for many diseases and conditions, including anemia, poison ivy, lupus, Addison’s disease, arthritis, asthma, and cancer.
While it’s estimated that Cushing syndrome only affects 40 to 70 people out of 1 million each year, many cases are left undiagnosed due to how rare it is. Without treatment, this condition can cause high blood pressure, blood clots, depression, Type 2 diabetes, and heart attacks.
Fortunately for Schumer, she was able to catch it partly due to the onslaught of internet comments about her face, and her friend bluntly telling her that her face was “looking, like, a little bit insane.” Eventually, she got rid of Cushing syndrome, saying that “it just has to work itself out.”
