Amy Schumer was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome, thanks to online trolls who brought her health concerns to light. On the recent episode of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, the 43-year-old comedian shared how social media criticism about her appearance led to her surprising medical diagnosis.
Schumer first revealed her diagnosis publicly in February 2024, but the story begins with her receiving significant backlash on social media. "A year ago, the Internet really came for me," she recalled during her conversation with host Alex Cooper. Initially, she reacted dismissively, thinking, "Okay, everybody, like, relax." Yet, things took a turn when medical professionals joined the fray, commenting on her swollen facial features, known as "moon face," which is often associated with the syndrome.
Doctors began chiming in, remarking, "No, no…something's really up. Your face looks so crazy." This feedback made Schumer rethink her situation. Cushing syndrome, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, occurs when the body has prolonged exposure to cortisol, often caused by taking steroids over extended periods.
Reflecting on her circumstances, Schumer said, "At first, I was like, ‘F—k off,’" but soon she connected the dots about the steroid injections she had been receiving for scars following her breast reduction and cesarean section. She acknowledged, "So I got 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."
Speaking candidly, Schumer conveyed the stress surrounding her diagnosis, especially since it came just as she was preparing to shoot her latest film, Kinda Pregnant, premiering on Netflix on February 5. The months leading up to her diagnosis saw her undergoing extensive medical tests, including MRIs. "While I was doing press on camera, I was also in MRI machines for four hours at a time, having my veins shut down from the amount of blood drawn," she said, expressing concerns about her health and the possibility of not being around for her son, Gene.
Finally learning about the non-fatal nature of her condition was seen as relief for Schumer. She stated, "Finding out I have the kind of Cushing...and I'm healthy was the greatest news imaginable." The reality of Cushing syndrome varies, with some types proving life-threatening or requiring invasive treatments such as brain surgery or adrenal gland removal.
Throughout this personal ordeal, one aspect particularly weighed heavily on Schumer. "I was feeling really down on myself before I started filming this movie... I was really having trouble figuring out how I was going to star in a movie with this going on," she admitted. It was support from her friends, especially director Lorraine Caffery, which made all the difference. Lorraine's encouraging words—"You know, I think you look f—ing great"—proved pivotal, helping to restore Schumer's confidence just before filming commenced.
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the real-world impact of social media, where the line between critique and concern can become blurred. Schumer's resilience and ability to turn the trolling experience on its head resonates with countless others facing health challenges, drawing attention to the importance of seeking medical help when something feels off.
Overall, Schumer's story is not just about her diagnosis; it reflects how dialogue—albeit harsh—can lead to awareness, prompt necessary medical evaluations, and perhaps even save lives.