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Does prednisone affect your adrenal & thyroid function?

I have hypo thyroidism and take levothyroxine but have recently been put on prednisone for asthma.  I'm feeling very anxious and shaky.

I can't stop coughing and feel very weak.  I don't have a fever but I feel like I'm getting sicker and don't know what's wrong.  I'm just wondering if the prednisone could be causing these side affets.

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Avatar universal
Most definetly. They are all linked. A problem with steroids can affect so many other hormones. Causing thyroid, menstrual, and other problems.

I agree with the PP that is a drug you have to be tentative with at least.

When you take steroids for more then a few weeks, it replaces your adrenal function. So your adrenals take a vacation and stop producing it. But if you stop cold turkey, your adrenals don't pick it up. Which is why a long taper program is necessary. if you do CT, you risk adrenal crisis.



A lot of doctors do not understand AI, or too much cortisol. Are you being taken care of by a GP or an endo? If not an endo, you need to see one right away and discuss your meds.
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393685 tn?1425812522
Many medical sites will say that thyroid function will be suppressed with taking a steriod medication

Since the thyroid and adrenals are so connected it makes alot of sense both would be effected.
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Avatar universal
I have read that people with asthma frequently have lower than normal levels of gastric hydrochloric acid, which is of course important for proper digestion.
Supplementation with betaine hydrochloride, along with magnesium, B6 and B12 has helped many asthma sufferers.

As always, I recommend seeing a good nutritionist. Many things, such as Quercetin with Bromelain enzyme, plus Vitamin C,, are antihistaminic, and help stabilize cells to stop inflammation. B vitamin injections are also helpful.

Enzy
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Avatar universal
I think Prednisone is one of the most dangerous medications because I believe that the side effects may last forever.  I took it for a bad bronchitis/asthma attack.  I was on it for a long time.  When I stopped using it, I did not feel well at all.  I was still coughing, and I was extremely week and exhausted all of the time.  It took me weeks to regain any strength at all.  Still, I was exhausted all of the time.  My abdomen was then, and still is, distended and bloated.  After a few months, I tested positive for hypothyroidism and was put on Synthroid.  With that, I became very, very sick in just four days.  My stomach is on fire.  I am nauseous, bloated.  I have headaches and today I was so dizzy that I thought about going to the hospital emergency room.  

In my opinion, it all started with Prednisone and Advair (another steroid).
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1 Comments
Was the Advair the propellant kind (metered does inhaler?).  Were you diagnosed with eosinophilia?
Avatar universal
   My son had a very hard time adjusting to a small amount of hydrocortisone, so it is probably the prednisone causing your symptoms. Prednisone definitely affects your adrenal and thyroid function. I have read of people having panic attacks for the first time after starting corticosteroids. Perhaps you should be started at a lower dose.

Also, be aware that prednisone, and other steroids deplete your body of potassium, Vitamin C, B6, and zinc. You may need to supplement these things.

If you can afford it, work with a good nutritionist. This was extremely helpful with my son.

Definitely let your doctor know how you are feeling asap.

Enzy
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