What’s Cushing’s Syndrome? Learn More About the Hormone Disorder Amy Schumer Was Diagnosed With

By: Oberto Torres Rafael, MD and Ruelle Champion

Actor and comedian Amy Schumer was recently diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome after doctors on social media raised red flags about the roundness of her face. Learn more about the hormone disorder and how to catch early signs of the disease.

What’s Cushing’s syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Cushing’s syndrome is when the body creates too much cortisol over a long period of time. Cortisol, a hormone, is made by the adrenal glands, and helps the body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and turn food into energy.

What’re the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?

The disease causes a variety of symptoms, but people with high levels of cortisol have clear signs, including:

• Weight gain
• Thin arms and legs
• Round face
• Easy bruising
• Weak muscles

What complications are involved?

Cushing’s syndrome is curable, if it’s treated. If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Heart attacks and strokes
• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes

How’s Cushing’s syndrome treated?

There’re several treatment options for Cushing’s syndrome, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and cortisol-reducing medications.

To learn more about Cushing’s syndrome, schedule an appointment with Dr. Oberto Torres Rafael, a Jackson Medical Group endocrinologist, by calling 786-585-4JMG(564).

Image: Anna Hanks (@annaustin), CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons