Amount of own body's normal production of cortisone

[Creamtea]

I have been on steroids for two and a half years. initially for PMR now for GCA.

How much cortisol does the adrenal glands normally produce.

At what dose of steroids taken will my own adrenal glands start working again if ever

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is said that the body produces the equivalent of about 7.5mg pred - but it is a slightly different dose for everyone. When you are taking a dose of pred at that level or above, the complex biological feedback set-up prevents the body producing more. By the time you get to about 5mg your body needs to be starting to produce a top-up - but that may happen from about 10mg daily dose. It does work for most people - but ot may be slow, taking a LOT longer than many doctors expect.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Around 7.5 mg. prednisone (this is an average, it could differ from 5 - 10 mg. for different people) the adrenal glands should get activated and produce their own cortisol again.

Eventually the adrenals will take over again, but this needs time, sometimes up to a year after you’ve finished the Pred.

A really slow taper from around 8mg will slowly nudge the adrenals as well as being sensible for your illness.