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What Causes Weight Gain Post Intake Of Corticosteroids?

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Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016
Question: I have had multiple cortisone injections in my hands (about 5 to wrist and fingers to tenosyovitis XXXXXXX - March 2016) and now 2 times to my back (Feb and May 2016)for annular tear L 4/5and I am experiencing 20 lb weight gain, sleeplessness, daily depression , frustration and anger over minor happenings, and an increase in menopausal hot flashes. I am wondering how long the systemic effects can last and whether there is anything I can do - beside drink 2 gallons of water a day and exercise daily. Any vitamin supplement, herb ANY thing!?
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Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
There is no herb or vitamin supplement effective.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,
I read carefully your concerns and understood your query.

Weight gain and the other symptoms you mentioned may be side effects of the corticosteroids treatment. What is important in these cases is to know the treatment plan with corticosteroids, for how long are you going to take them and at what dosage?

If you will continue to take high dose injections first several days in a month there is a high risk of side effects ( weight gain, diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression etc.) and they should be monitored.

There is also a great risk of adrenal insufficiency if you take multiple injections and stop them immediately.

Please specify if you will take injections any longer and attach any investigation that you have done until now.

Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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What Causes Weight Gain Post Intake Of Corticosteroids?

Brief Answer: There is no herb or vitamin supplement effective. Detailed Answer: Hello Dear, I read carefully your concerns and understood your query. Weight gain and the other symptoms you mentioned may be side effects of the corticosteroids treatment. What is important in these cases is to know the treatment plan with corticosteroids, for how long are you going to take them and at what dosage? If you will continue to take high dose injections first several days in a month there is a high risk of side effects ( weight gain, diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression etc.) and they should be monitored. There is also a great risk of adrenal insufficiency if you take multiple injections and stop them immediately. Please specify if you will take injections any longer and attach any investigation that you have done until now. Kind Regards, Dr.Mirjeta