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Can Discontinuing Prednisone Cause The Cushing’s Syndrome Symptoms To Subside?
Question: I’ve been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome after 10 years of prednisone. Will symptoms (fatigue, eye blurryness, anxiety, fat in midsection) subside once I taper off prednisone - I’m currently at 18mg a day. If so how long should it take to return to health (I’ve had symptoms for about 9 months) Are there any suppliments that I should be taking to help?
Brief Answer:
About Cushing syndrome symptoms:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First I would suggest a synacten stimulation test to be sure that the adrenal gland is functioning normally after stopping the prednisone.
If the adrenal gland function normally, it may take up to one year to get back to normality.
Otherwise, if the adrenal glands are suppressed by the long term prednisone treatment, you will need to take hydrocortisone for up to one year in order to substitute the adrenal function.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
About Cushing syndrome symptoms:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First I would suggest a synacten stimulation test to be sure that the adrenal gland is functioning normally after stopping the prednisone.
If the adrenal gland function normally, it may take up to one year to get back to normality.
Otherwise, if the adrenal glands are suppressed by the long term prednisone treatment, you will need to take hydrocortisone for up to one year in order to substitute the adrenal function.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks Dr Mirjeta
I know it’s a process that will take time, but what you’re saying is that the symptoms will eventually subside, either by my adrenals coming back online naturally or by use of hydrocortisone. My main concerns are the constant fatigue, anxiety, and vision difficulties as they make it hard to work. Also, is there anything I can do to help the process as far as exercise, food, or suppliments?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
I know it’s a process that will take time, but what you’re saying is that the symptoms will eventually subside, either by my adrenals coming back online naturally or by use of hydrocortisone. My main concerns are the constant fatigue, anxiety, and vision difficulties as they make it hard to work. Also, is there anything I can do to help the process as far as exercise, food, or suppliments?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
About cushing syndrome;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms will get back to normal after the withdrawal of corticosteroids but if adrenal suppression is installed, the adrenal crisis may occur and they should be prevented by hydrocortisone treatment (if synacten stimulation test confirms adrenal suppression).
There is no food or supplement that can help in this situation, but if there are complications such as Diabetes or osteoporosis, individual diets with calorie restriction or calcium and VitD supplements will be suggested.
Your treating physician will inform you if it will be necessary.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
About cushing syndrome;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms will get back to normal after the withdrawal of corticosteroids but if adrenal suppression is installed, the adrenal crisis may occur and they should be prevented by hydrocortisone treatment (if synacten stimulation test confirms adrenal suppression).
There is no food or supplement that can help in this situation, but if there are complications such as Diabetes or osteoporosis, individual diets with calorie restriction or calcium and VitD supplements will be suggested.
Your treating physician will inform you if it will be necessary.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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