So last week, I was engaging in a bit of doom-scrolling, and I came across this new movie trailer for a movie about a woman who fakes a baby bump. Initially, I didn’t think much of it and swiped past it.
But then something struck me, “Was that Amy Schumer?” Her face looked really different, and I wanted to know if anyone else noticed it. I opened the comments, and bam!
I learnt a brand new word, “Moonface”. So what is moon face? I did some digging (read; dived into a rabbit hole) and found out it is not as uncommon as I initially thought! Here’s an ode to Moon Face that nobody asked for.
Moon face, medically known as ‘moon facies’, is when a person goes through a gradual face swelling that gives them a rounded, full appearance that of a full moon. It is primarily a buildup of fats deposited on the sides of your face, often making you look unrecognisable with time.
It is usually not that serious, but since it changes your physical appearance, it can make you feel self-conscious and take a toll on your mental health.
Imagine you wake up and look at yourself in the mirror, and your face looks puffier than usual. Guess what? It's got to do more than just a little bloating from last night’s meal. You might be experiencing “moon face”.
But what really causes it? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Cushing syndrome - It is the biggest culprit. There is a high release of hormones, particularly cortisol, that causes a moon face. This is called hyperadrenocorticism or hypercortisolism.
Usage of steroids for longer periods - Corticosteroids (like prednisone) are medications or lifesavers for people suffering from inflammatory conditions such as lupus or arthritis. But they come with side effects such as swelling of the face, a.k.a, moon face.
Hormonal imbalance - Conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders can also cause swelling in the face.
Kidney disease or Water retention - When water is not regulated well in your body, it can lead to swelling.
Allergic reaction - We often jump to conclusions, thinking about the most bizarre, harmful outcomes, but ignore the most important thing, such as allergies, so always visit your doctor before deciding on anything.
Did you know that at least 600,000 people are facing this issue per year globally? Cushing syndrome is often associated with moon face as it occurs when the body is exposed to high cortisol levels for an extended time, making your face all puffy.
Cortisol is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress and danger. The adrenal glands produce it, often called a stress hormone. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure and sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
But when there is an overproduction of this hormone, it can lead to Cushing syndrome, lack of sex drive, irregular periods, anxiety and depression.
There are mainly two reasons for this :
1. Endogenous factor - Production of excess cortisol due to the presence of a tumour on the pituitary glands or one of the adrenal glands.
2. Exogenous factor - Long-term use of steroids such as prednisone for inflammation or other reasons.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome
Although diagnosing Cushing syndrome with just face swell is challenging, there are a few other things to remember.
Sudden weight gain around the neck area, abdomen
Slim legs and arms
Easy bruising
Wide stretch marks around the hips, breasts, under the arms
Buffalo hump
Now, the main question is, is it treatable? And if so, how?
The answer is yes! It is treatable, but you need to get it checked first. Your health provider would typically do one of these tests to confirm it - a blood test, urinalysis, CT scan or MRI scan.
Now that we have an idea of how cushing syndrome begins, let us get to its treatments.
Treatment is provided based on the condition one has. If you take steroids for inflammatory issues, the doctor may now offer a lesser dose or change the medication. But remember, do not leave it abruptly without consulting a healthcare professional
Surgery to remove pituitary gland tumours
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink tumours
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reduce salt intake
An ample amount of rest
Hydration
People at risk of getting it
Some evidence suggests that women are more prone to suffer from moon face, with 70% being women and 30% men.
Family history of thyroid conditions
Thyroid surgery
Obesity
High blood pressure
Autoimmune condition
History of endocrine tumors
So, I read an article that talks about Amy Schumer and her experiences with Cushing Syndrome. Although not harmful at all, the thought of not recognising yourself and losing your facial features would be concerning to everyone.
Similarly, she too felt that being an actor by profession her face value is what matters the most to agencies. She managed to ignore the comments that trolled her for her plumpy face, but she could not quite get over it when the doctors linked it to Cushing syndrome and getting checked once.
The Internet can be a double-edged sword, sometimes too painful and occasionally useful. Just like many others, Amy wasn't aware she was suffering from it due to the steroid injection she had received.
In the end, she was open about her Cushing syndrome and how it took a toll on her self-esteem for a while. It is not a rare factor, as studies show that at least 55-81% of people who were diagnosed suffer from depression and at least 12% with anxiety due to it.
Schumer didn’t just ignore it but took it into her own hands and decided to advocate for the importance of health security and to accept your skin for itself.
Being attentive to your bodily changes and taking medical advice at early stages would be beneficial and help in reversing the progress of Cushing syndrome. Hence, don’t just sit back thinking it's nothing and will be fixed in a few days without making changes from your end.
Is Moon Face permanent?
Luckily, no, it is mainly due to the excess production of cortisol hormone or when there has been a higher intake of steroids. Fixing these may help you get your normal features back.
Can I reduce Moon face naturally?
It is mainly done with the help of a practitioner as it’s a medical condition, but reducing salt intake and looking after yourself are a few other ways to reduce puffiness.
How long does it take for Moon face to go away after stopping steroids?
Rome wasn’t built in a day; similarly, when you’re off your steroids after a doctor’s recommendation, it will take a while. It could be from a few weeks to a month depending on your condition.
Can hormonal imbalance cause Moon face?
Yes, Cushing Syndrome, PCOS and thyroid issues can alter your hormones and give you a moon face, but it is treatable.
When should I see a doctor regarding Moon face?
If your face remains swollen for a longer time, or you are getting bruises easily, it is good to consult with your doctor to rule out any diseases like Cushing syndrome.
