Amy Schumer’s diagnosis of Cushing syndrome was partly aided by online trolls, highlighting a challenge many patients face: obtaining a diagnosis can take years.

During an episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Schumer revealed details of her diagnosis from February 2024, thanking those who critiqued her noticeably swollen face – a prominent symptom of this hormonal disorder.

Cushing syndrome occurs when there is an excess of cortisol in the body, according to Dr. Divya Yogi-Morren, the medical director of the pituitary center at the Cleveland Clinic. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in how our bodies respond to stress and is essential for maintaining overall health.

“It helps us wake up, keeps our energy balanced throughout the day, and lowers at night to facilitate sleep,” she explained.

Diagnosing Cushing syndrome can be tricky because physicians might not consider the condition when a patient mentions symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. It is frequently mistaken for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or metabolic syndrome, according to Yogi-Morren.

“For many individuals, it may take years before they get a correct diagnosis,” she mentioned. “Typically, it takes an average of two to three years to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome.”

Those who take cortisol-based medications, often prescribed for conditions like asthma and arthritis, are more likely to develop Cushing syndrome. Schumer linked her diagnosis to steroid injections she received during her breast reduction and Cesarean section after having her first child.

Cushing syndrome is rare, impacting roughly 70 people out of every million annually.

Research indicates that around 70% of those with Cushing syndrome are women or those designated female at birth. The condition primarily affects individuals between the ages of 25 and 50.

Key symptoms of Cushing syndrome include a red, round face; easy bruising and slow-healing wounds; high blood pressure; excessive facial and body hair; purple streaks on the abdomen; a fat pad on the shoulders; general fatigue or weakness; blurred vision; dizziness; muscle weakness; thinner limbs; and changes in sexual drive.

Cushing syndrome can be tough to identify as many healthcare providers do not consider it right away when patients report fatigue and weight gain.

If left untreated, high levels of cortisol may result in more serious health issues like infections, blood clots, depression, heart attack, weight gain, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol levels, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.

To diagnose Cushing syndrome, doctors perform tests to measure cortisol production in the body, according to Yogi-Morren. They may also assess another hormone called ACTH, which is produced by the pituitary gland during stress. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is to identify the root cause.

Most instances are linked to medication or tumors. If a patient’s condition is attributed to medication, a doctor may reduce the dose or switch to a non-glucocorticoid alternative that alleviates inflammation without using steroids.

If no medication is involved, doctors will conduct scans to check for potential tumors causing Cushing syndrome. Tumors in the adrenal glands are responsible for approximately 20% of Cushing syndrome cases, according to Yogi-Morren.

Originally reported by Adrianna Rodriguez