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Amy Schumer reveals she has Cushing syndrome

February 26, 2024

Comedian Amy Schumer, 42, disclosed her diagnosis of exogenous Cushing syndrome—precipitated by "getting steroid injections in high doses"—in an interview for Jessica Yellin's "News Not Noise" newsletter on Friday.

In the newsletter interview, Schumer said she's been undergoing medical tests while also doing a series of interviews to promote the new season of her Hulu show, “Life and Beth.”

Although the actor said that the condition did not pose any serious threats to her health, she said the weeks leading up to the diagnosis had been challenging: "While I was doing press on camera for my Hulu show, I was also in MRI machines four hours at a time, having my veins shut down from the amount of blood drawn and thinking I may not be around to see my son grow up,” Schumer said.

“So finding out I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I’m healthy was the greatest news imaginable,” she added, explaining that she was relieved not to have the type of Cushing that can be fatal, require brain surgery, or result in the removal of adrenal glands.

The comic, who has been open in the past about having endometriosis, told Yellin that criticism over her appearance while promoting the new season of her Hulu show prompted her to realize "something was wrong."

Earlier this month on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show," fans commented on her "puffier" appearance, including some comments that Yellin described as "mysognist." Symptoms of Cushing can include a round, red, full face, weight gain, bone pain or tenderness, and fatigue.

Schumer later on posted on Instagram saying, "There are some medical and hormonal things going on in my world right now but I'm okay."

The comedian said she felt compelled to share her diagnosis publicly to advocate for women's health: "I want so much for women to love themselves and be relentless when fighting for their own health in a system that usually doesn't believe them."

Sources:

Yellin, Jessica. (2024, February 23). News Not Noise. The News Not Noise Letter: Amy Schumer "Be Relentless When Fighting for Your Health." https://newsnotnoisejessicayellin.substack.com/p/the-news-not-noise-letter-amy-schumer

Mayroquin, Orlando. (2024, February 26). The New York Times. Amy Schumer Says She Has Cushing's Syndrome, a Hormonal Disorder. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/26/arts/television/amy-schumer-cushing-syndrome.html

Burke, Minyvonne. (2024, February 24). NBC News. Amy Schumer says criticism over her 'puffy' face led to Cushing syndrome diagnosis. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/amy-schumer-says-criticism-puffy-face-led-cushing-syndrome-diagnosis-rcna140325