Amy Schumer’s ‘moon Face’ In ‘kinda Pregnant’ Likely A Symptom Of Cushing’s Syndrome

Moon face is a colloquial term describing a facial bloating symptom associated with Cushing’s syndrome. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Netflix

• Amy Schumer made light of a recent diagnosis in her new comedy film “Kinda Pregnant.” 
• The actor and standup comedian received a Cushing’s syndrome diagnosis in 2024. 
• The condition may cause significant facial swelling, colloquially termed “moon face.”
• Facial puffiness can have many causes, including hormonal changes. 
• Temporary puffiness can be treated with skin care treatments, but swelling from Cushing’s Syndrome requires medical intervention.

Amy Schumer joked about her “moon face” diagnosis in her new Netflix comedy, “Kinda Pregnant.” 

In the movie, the 43-year-old actor and standup comedian plays Lainy, an English teacher who, feeling jealous of her best friend’s pregnancy, decides to fake a pregnancy by wearing a baby bump. 

In a scene set in a maternity store, Schumer has an awkward encounter with a worker who asks how far she is in her pregnancy. 

The worker pinches her cheeks and says, “Judging by your facial bloating, five months?”

Schumer replied, “I’ll break your f**king neck,” before forcing a smile and saying, “I’ve been a freaking wreck.”

In 2024, the actress revealed she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome after her swollen face was criticized on the internet.

Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. The condition may cause acne, weight gain, and significant facial swelling, known colloquially as moon face.

Schumer received her Cushing’s syndrome diagnosis shortly before filming “Kinda Pregnant.”

“I learned I had this condition and that I had something called moon face. And I’m starring in a movie — and there’s a camera right in my face,” she revealed on the “Call Her Daddy“ podcast. 

Schumer also has endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This condition can also contribute to facial puffiness from fluid retention and systemic inflammation. 

What is moon face?

Moon face may occur through excess inflammation and cortisol accumulation.

Moon face is not an official medical term, but rather, a common way to describe certain changes in facial appearance.

On social media platforms like TikTok, “cortisol face” and “moon face” are often used interchangeably.

“Moon face refers to noticeable swelling and roundness of the face, often caused by fluid retention and fat redistribution,” Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, told Healthline.

“The most common culprit is long-term corticosteroid use, which alters fat metabolism and leads to increased fat deposits around the face,” she explained.

What causes moon face?

Moon face can have other causes. 

“I also see this in patients with hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, where excess cortisol triggers fat accumulation in the cheeks and jawline,” Kopelman said.

Cortisol accumulated by everyday stress is not enough to cause moon face, however.

“High stress does not result in sufficiently elevated levels of cortisol to present with moon face,” Caroline Messer, MD, double board certified endocrinologist and founder of Well by Messer, told Healthline.

“Moon face can be caused by any condition that markedly increases cortisol in the body. This includes taking high doses of steroids, pituitary tumors that stimulate the adrenal gland to produce cortisol, and adrenal tumors that overproduce cortisol,” she explained. 

Contrary to popular belief, Messer said poor diet, disrupted sleep, lack of exercise, and high stress are not marked enough to manifest as moon face.

However, she noted unhealthy food choices, lack of sleep, and minimal exercise can lead to facial weight gain, which may masquerade as moon face. 

Moon face and hormonal health: What’s the link? 

Hormonal changes from pregnancy or endometriosis, for example, may lead to noticeable facial bloating.

Kopelman said it’s something she sees in patients regularly. 

“Hormonal fluctuations can lead to noticeable facial bloating as estrogen and progesterone shifts can cause the body to hold onto excess water, leading to puffiness,” she explained. 

“Many of my patients who take corticosteroids, hormonal birth control, or fertility treatments also report facial swelling as a side effect.” 

However, Kopelman noted these changes are usually temporary and can be managed with lifestyle adjustments. 

How to treat moon face 

Treatment for moon face will depend on its severity and root cause. 

“Moon face from taking high dose steroids ‘i.e., exogenous steroids’ can be treated by tapering off those steroids,” said Messer. 

However, it’s important only to do this under the advice of your physician. 

Cushing’s syndrome will often require adrenal surgery or can be treated with medications for patients who are not candidates for surgery. 

“There are no foods to avoid despite many claims to the contrary all over social media,” Messer added.

If you’re experiencing temporary puffiness and facial swelling unrelated to an underlying health condition, skin care treatments may help. 

“For temporary puffiness, I often recommend cryotherapy facials, which use cold temperatures to reduce inflammation and tighten the skin,” Kopelman said.

“In my practice, I’ve also seen great results with radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments, which can improve circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage,” she added.

If facial swelling is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, like skin changes, rashes, or pain, it may be a good idea to consult your primary care physician to rule out any underlying conditions.

Your doctor may recommend a visit with a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Takeaway 

Actor and comedian Amy Schumer joked about her “moon face” in her new film “Kinda Pregnant.” Moon face is a colloquial term describing a facial bloating symptom associated with Cushing’s syndrome.

While temporary puffiness can be managed with skin care and lifestyle changes, conditions like Cushing’s syndrome require medical intervention.

If swelling persists, it’s best to consult a specialist to determine your next steps and rule out any underlying conditions.