Adrenal

[Uglow]

Hi I don’t know about adrenal function and what part it plays related to pmr and prednisone. Please can someone explain. Thank you

[MrsNails]

DorsetLady is currently preparing a Post on this Topic for our FAQ - but l’m sure in the meantime you will get replies. Don’t forget to have a look at FAQ as there is a huge wealth of information there....

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As MrsNails said, info in pipeline - but quick explanation -

Once you have been on steroids for more than 3 weeks and at a dose higher than 7.5mg (which is roughly equivalent to the normal cortisol production by your Adrenals (does vary between 5-10mg) known as the physiological level) they temporary stop working because the artificial cortisol in your body (Pred) means they don’t have to.

That means in a stressful situation where they would normally go into overdrive to help your body they don’t - that extra boost has already been superseded by the constant level the Pred gives (hope that makes sense) So you don’t get that extra burst of energy to help you out of a dangerous (stressful) situation - the fight or flight phenomena!

You must tell medical people you are on steroids so they don’t suddenly stop them - that could cause a steroid insufficiency problem and your body would really struggle.

When we get low levels (around 7.5mg) we need to reduce very slowly to nudge the adrenals into working again.

For the majority of people they do start working again - although it’s not like switching a light on - one day they’re asleep next day they’re awake! It takes a little while to recover all function. But there is a test (Synacthen test) to check if they are capable of working - not if they actually, just if they are capable of functioning. GPs won’t usually refer you for test until you reach 5mg maybe 3mg and if you are having problems (fatigue, nausea etc).

Also see related posts.....

Now done - healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...