Cortisol Moon Face Hormone Stress Hormone Psychological Stress Medicine

Moon Face: What It Is and What Causes It

What is Moon Face?

Moon face is a condition characterized by a round, swollen face. It is caused by a buildup of fat deposits along the sides of the face. Moon face is not a medical diagnosis, but it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as Cushing's syndrome or obesity.

What Causes Moon Face?

Moon face is caused by a buildup of fat deposits along the sides of the face. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Cushing's syndrome
• Obesity
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Pregnancy
• Alcoholism

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response. When cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to a number of health problems, including moon face.

Obesity

Obesity is another common cause of moon face. When a person is obese, they have excess body fat. This fat can accumulate in the face, causing it to swell.

Medications

Certain medications, such as steroids, can also cause moon face. Steroids are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as asthma and arthritis. When taken in high doses or for a long period of time, steroids can lead to a number of side effects, including moon face.

Pregnancy

Moon face can also occur during pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These changes can cause the body to retain water and fat, which can lead to swelling in the face.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism can also cause moon face. Alcohol can damage the liver, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. These toxins can cause swelling in the face.

How is Moon Face Treated?

The treatment for moon face depends on the underlying cause. If the moon face is caused by Cushing's syndrome, the treatment will focus on reducing cortisol levels. If the moon face is caused by obesity, the treatment will focus on weight loss. If the moon face is caused by medications, the treatment will focus on reducing the dosage or switching to a different medication. If the moon face is caused by pregnancy, the swelling will usually resolve after the baby is born. If the moon face is caused by alcoholism, the treatment will focus on addressing the alcoholism.