Moon face

[Doraflora]

I’ve been on Pred since March and it’s only been the last 3/4 months that my face has started to get rounder. It’s not weight gain, as I’ve been having tests for why I’ve lost way over half a stone (I’m only 7.2 at the mo).

Has anyone else experienced moon face after a few months? Does it take that time to affect in this way?

[SnazzyD]

Yes, sadly it is common and often doesn’t occur straight away. I started at 8.5 stones and never gained but what fat I did have went to my face and round my middle like a life saver. I think mine really hit about three months in. It does go as the dose goes down. I grew my hair longer, avoided mirrors and always made sure I was the photographer.

[Doraflora in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks SnazzyD. My moon face started probably about 4 months or so in. I’m now down to 4mg so had hoped it would start to deflate a bit now. Guess we’re all different.

I’m just putting more makeup on. It makes me feel better even though I hate my hamster cheeks😂

[SnazzyD in reply to Doraflora]

My body didn’t start to change significantly until I got below 3mg, and I still noticed a difference once I stopped Pred. I’m still a bit sensitive to salt and was very sensitive when on Pred down to about 3mg.

[Doraflora in reply to SnazzyD]

I’m glad things improved for you, SnazzyD. Thanks for your prompt reply 😁

[SheffieldJane]

I am afraid so. I have also developed a fat back that plays havoc with bra sizes. It does go down. I had a brief hiatus between PMR and GCA diagnosis, on 3 mgs and things were beginning to normalise. I had to go up to 40 mgs and puffed up immediately. Some people like the wrinkle smoothing effect.

[2penguins in reply to SheffieldJane]

Wrinkle smoothing is fine, until your head bursts.

[SheffieldJane in reply to 2penguins]

Ha ha ha

[AussieMel in reply to SheffieldJane]

This! It's SO uncomfortable to put on weight there. I have it in the usual place around the top,back of neck but also a LOT of the weight has shifted to my back which feels really weird as like you it makes my bras tighter. I'm on 8mg currently and hoping it starts to reduce.

[SheffieldJane in reply to AussieMel]

It will. I am wearing stretchy sports bras at present. Less digging in. These diseases would try a Saint.

[tangocharlie in reply to SheffieldJane]

One good thing about lock-down is I rarely have to put a bra on now!

[Lico in reply to SheffieldJane]

And me, much more comfortable.

[Susan1705]

Yes, was on 30mg now am down to 5 has gone

[Lico]

I also have a moon face now, my husband says I look a lot younger (wrinkles not as noticeable ) I think he is being kind because he knows I don’t like to look in the mirror . I weigh 5 kilos heavier as well, extra weight on my stomach and back. Hopefully now that my medication is being reduced gradually and I have started to exercise I will lose a bit of weight.

[Doraflora in reply to Lico]

That’s just it, Lico, I didn’t put on any weight at all since starting the Pred in March, quite the opposite in fact. We’ve had a lot of stress though so I’m putting the loss down to that. Thankfully all tests/procedures I had showed nothing. Onwards and upwards eh!

[Lico in reply to Doraflora]

Definitely!

[Daffodilia]

Yes after a few months but it got better on lower dose - now on 6 mg of prednisolone

[Loyd]

When I was put up to 30mg to overcome massive flair my face became a moonpig!! Avoid mirrors at all cost! Ugh!

[YuliK]

Doraflora Hi

I was blessed not only with a full moon face, but I have a buffalo hump. ( so my rheumatologist informed me)...😂

Yulik 😷

[Doraflora in reply to YuliK]

Thanks, YuliK. What joys eh?