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Should I Continue To Take Hydrocortisone On A Daily Basis Or Just When I Feel Really Weak Like I Did Originally?
Question: Hello. I recently saw an Integrative Health doctor. After testing, he concluded that I have Adrenal Insufficiency. As a result, he put me on Hydrocortisone 10 mg. I take 2 pills with breakfast and then 1 with lunch. Since this is a steroid, I have gained a lot of weight. Can you tell me please, is there anything to counteract this side effect? If not, would exercise have any impact or would it have no effect since this is medication -induced? How long does the average person stay on this medication? Also, should I continue taking it on a daily basis or just when I feel really week like I did originally? Unfortunately, my doctor is not available at this time, so I am asking you. Thank you so much and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Brief Answer:
About adrenal failure treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Adrenal insufficiency in most of the cases is a chronic pathology but it depends on etiology ( the cause of adrenal insuficiency). It should never be withdrawn without physician recommendation and should be taken in a daily basis, devided in 2-3 doses.
Weight gain is a symptom of a high dose of hydrochortidone ( the maintenance dose usually is 15-20 mg / day) and should be adjusted according to; blood pressure, weight, a daily curve of cortisol checked in blood.
So, check the above mentioned parameters and discuss with your physician to lower the dose.
Of course physical activity is recommended.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
About adrenal failure treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Adrenal insufficiency in most of the cases is a chronic pathology but it depends on etiology ( the cause of adrenal insuficiency). It should never be withdrawn without physician recommendation and should be taken in a daily basis, devided in 2-3 doses.
Weight gain is a symptom of a high dose of hydrochortidone ( the maintenance dose usually is 15-20 mg / day) and should be adjusted according to; blood pressure, weight, a daily curve of cortisol checked in blood.
So, check the above mentioned parameters and discuss with your physician to lower the dose.
Of course physical activity is recommended.
Hope the information will help.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello and thank you for responding. However, you did not answer my original questions: Can you tell me please, is there anything to counteract the side effect of weight gain? If not, would exercise have any impact or would it have no effect since this is medication -induced? How long does the average person stay on this medication? Also, should I continue taking it on a daily basis or just when I feel really week like I did originally? Thank you so much and I hope to hear back from you soon.
Brief Answer:
About adrenal failure treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am trying to answer agian even though i explained it before;
1) The weight gain may be due to high dose of hydrochortisone, it is one of the parametrs to monitor the dose. Your physician will ask for further examinations ( cortisol in urine) to verify it.
Usually i said the maintainance dose is 15 mg/ day. Once the dose is corrected you will get back to your normal weight.
2) There is no avarage! It depends by the etiology of the disease. If the cause of adrenal failure is caused by autoimmune disease, the tratment is life-long. If it caused by the use of corticosteroids for a long period , it may be temporary for 6 months- 1 year, ect.
You didn' t mention what is the cause of adrenal failure and that is why it is impossible to say how long you will need it.
3) When adrenal failure is confirmed, the treatment should be taken in a daily basis. Adrenal failure may be fatal if not treated correctly. So do not skip the doses as long as you will be recommended to continue the treatment as it may have serious consequences.
Once again hope the information will help.
About adrenal failure treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am trying to answer agian even though i explained it before;
1) The weight gain may be due to high dose of hydrochortisone, it is one of the parametrs to monitor the dose. Your physician will ask for further examinations ( cortisol in urine) to verify it.
Usually i said the maintainance dose is 15 mg/ day. Once the dose is corrected you will get back to your normal weight.
2) There is no avarage! It depends by the etiology of the disease. If the cause of adrenal failure is caused by autoimmune disease, the tratment is life-long. If it caused by the use of corticosteroids for a long period , it may be temporary for 6 months- 1 year, ect.
You didn' t mention what is the cause of adrenal failure and that is why it is impossible to say how long you will need it.
3) When adrenal failure is confirmed, the treatment should be taken in a daily basis. Adrenal failure may be fatal if not treated correctly. So do not skip the doses as long as you will be recommended to continue the treatment as it may have serious consequences.
Once again hope the information will help.
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. Yogesh D
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