In response to these criticisms at the time, Schumer contended that ‘a woman doesn’t need any excuse for her physical appearance and owes no explanation’.
However, she did acknowledge that her face was indeed ‘puffier than normal right now’.
Subsequently, Schumer was diagnosed with Cushing Syndrome, a diagnosis that might not have been made without the public’s concern about her facial changes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Cushing Syndrome ‘occurs when the body has too much of the hormone cortisol for an extended period’.
The explanation continues: “This can result either from the body producing excess cortisol or from the use of medications called glucocorticoids, which mimic cortisol’s effects on the body.”
Symptoms of this condition include slow wound healing, acne, weight gain in the face (often called ‘moon face’), weight gain around the trunk, and skin that bruises easily.
As reported by the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD), this condition affects about 13 per million people each year, commonly occurring in individuals aged between 25 to 40.
There have been suggestions linking steroid injections to the development of Cushing Syndrome, which Schumer admitted to receiving.
During an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Schumer addressed the public comments: “At first, I was like, ‘F**k off’.”
However, she later discovered that some of these remarks were from medical professionals.
She expressed her surprise: “I’m like, ‘Wait, I’m getting trolled by doctors?’”
It dawned on her that the discussions about steroid injections and Cushing Syndrome were pertinent since she had been receiving the treatment for her breast reduction and C-section scars.
Schumer shared: “So I got these was getting these steroid injections and so it gave me this thing called Cushing syndrome — which I wouldn’t have known if the internet hadn’t come for me so hard.”
She mentioned that she has ‘got rid’ of the syndrome, noting that ‘it just has to work itself out’.
While it appears the Life of Beth actress did not need specific treatment for her Cushing Syndrome, there are various treatment options available.
The Mayo Clinic highlights that managing the condition could involve reducing glucocorticoid use, surgical removal of the causative tumor, undergoing radiation therapy, or using medications to regulate cortisol production.