moonface

I have been on prednisolone for 9 years.  I am taking methetrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.  Luckily i have been able to stop my steroids and have been clear of steroids for just 10 days.  I would like to know how long the moon face and weight gain, especially around the abdomen takes to go or at least reduce?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Corticosteroids increase your appetite, leading to weight gain, and in particular lead to extra deposits of fat in your abdomen. The weight will come off - and your stomach return to its normal size - relatively easily in the six months to a year after you discontinue steroids. Just make sure to keep a watch on the calorie intake.Take simple wholesome,healthy food and exercise regularly.

But if you are showing other symptoms of exogenous cushing’s syndrome(due to long term use of steroids)like muscle weakness,striae,depression,anxiety,hirsutism and high BP,then pls get yourself evaluated by an endocrinologist.You may need tests like urine test for cortisol,ACTH levels,fasting blood glucose,serum potassium,saliva test and bone density test.The endocrinologist may then prescribe medicines like ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone) and specific therapies for raised blood sugar levels and high Bp.


Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.

[angy123]

Thankyou very much for your comments, i didnt mean i wanted just a doctor to reply, i was grateful for information off anybody.  Very kind of you to reply.  Makes me feel a lot better.  Cheers.  Angy xxx