Steroids: will I be able to cope without them?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For nearly seven months I've been on steroid tablets to control my polymyalgia rheumatica. I've just discovered that if you take them for too long, your adrenal glands shut down because they are no longer needed to produce their own natural steroids. Do they ever recover? If not, how will I ever manage without the tablets?
Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:
If you continue to take high doses of steroids for long periods, the adrenal glands will stop producing steroids completely. But they have the ability to recover, so you will definitely not need to stay on steroids indefinitely. As your polymyalgia burns itself out, you will be able to gradually reduce your dose of steroids. As long as you do this gradually, your adrenal glands will gradually "wake up". If you suddenly stop your steroid tablets, your adrenal glands won't be able to cope, because it takes them a while to get going after a period of shutdown. People who use inhaled steroids for asthma or hayfever do not take enough steroids to close down the adrenal glands. The problem only occurs when tablets or injections are taken for long periods.
Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments