HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Is The Cause For Weight Gain When On Steroids And Synthroid?

Hi, I had cushinings disease, i had a pituatary tumor removed in 2007, ive been steriod dependent sicne then, i also have hashimottos disease and take synthroid. My old endo has had me on 20mg of cortozone since surgery and i take 75mc of synthroid, i was doing well the last two years then all of a sudden i gained 18pds in 3 weeks, I went to cleveland clinic this past week for second opinion, ny endo there wanted to decrease my cortosol by 5mg a day so they could do an accurate test for cushings, day 1 and i feel horrible and am scared of an adrenal crisis, what are your thoughts and would it happen just ater two days? im very tired, nauseated, no appetite.and feel a little dizzy.
Thu, 30 Jan 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
Yes. Long term intake of cortisone can cause weight gain.
Because it increase your appetite, decrease the metabolism and also redistributes the fat.

The symptoms now you are experiencing after decreasing the dose are the typical corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms.
I think it might be due the abrupt decreasing of the dose from 20 mg to 5 mg in three days.
As you are on steroids for last 6 years, you are steroid dependent.
For you steroid dose should be tapered slowly.
As you have withdrawal symptoms now, please discuss with your current endocrinologist regarding these withdrawal symptoms and request him to taper the steroid dose slowly.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
I find this answer helpful

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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Pituitary tumors


Loading Online Doctors....
What Is The Cause For Weight Gain When On Steroids And Synthroid?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Yes. Long term intake of cortisone can cause weight gain. Because it increase your appetite, decrease the metabolism and also redistributes the fat. The symptoms now you are experiencing after decreasing the dose are the typical corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms. I think it might be due the abrupt decreasing of the dose from 20 mg to 5 mg in three days. As you are on steroids for last 6 years, you are steroid dependent. For you steroid dose should be tapered slowly. As you have withdrawal symptoms now, please discuss with your current endocrinologist regarding these withdrawal symptoms and request him to taper the steroid dose slowly. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.