unintended weight loss

[Crochetgardener]

hello, I have tapered from 30mg to 2mg over 26 months where I am stuck because my cortisol levels are stubbornly low ( 58 -80) I have now got a very itchy raised skin problem which my doctor cannot diagnose.I also had Covid in October. So, my question in has anyone had weight loss , 5 pounds since Covid which I don’t need to lose. Any info, gratefully read.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

hi,

Could be an adrenal insufficiency especially as your cortisol levels are so low - and I think that needs to be addressed - by your GP. See link [do you have any other symptoms listed]-

Not sure an itchy skin is associated to that as well, but if you attach a picture, others might have an idea -usual suspects are urticaria [hives], eczema, psoriasis - but guess your GP discounted all those - along with change in soap/detergent etc…

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If your cortisol levels are stubbornly low - that will account for weight loss as it is a common symptom in adrenal insufficiency. Lowering pred even without adrenal insufficiency can also result in weight loss - I have lost about half a stone having reduced my pred to 6mg.

Some people find that they develop food intolerances along with PMR. At higher doses of pred this may be masked but as the dose gets lower it isn't enough to suppress itching. Have you tried an antihistamine?

[Merryfield]

Have you had a blood test for sugar? Type 2 diabetes can cause surprising weight loss, also.

[Pusph]

Hi I was diagnosed with PMR in April 22. Since then I have lost over 2 stone in weight. I've also become pre-diabetic. I've had a scan and several fecal tests and a gastroscopy which have thankfully shown nothing untoward. The doctors don't seem to be able to give a reason for the weight loss and don't seem to be as concerned as me!

[Crochetgardener in reply to Pusph]

Thank you all will mention those possibilities to the Dr.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pusph]

Some people - not many but they exist - lose weight when on pred! The pre-diabetes may also be due to the pred which triggers random spikes of blood sugar due to the liver releasing it from stores in the liver and muscles. One way of moderating that effect is to cut carbs - but cutting carbs too much results in weight loss.

[Blearyeyed]

Has the GP referred you to the Skin Clinic?Have they given you any ointment or suggestions of what it might be?

If not , ask for the referral now as it can take some time for an appointment.

If you had the chance of developing an inflammatory skin condition before taking Pred it could have erupted during your treatment and higher steroid doses may have been controlling it , now you are on lower doses it could have had chance to flare.

Has the GP done Vitamin B 12 , Folate , Ferritin/ Iron and Vitamin D blood tests?

They are worth checking with very varied symptoms , including skin issues , prediabetes , weight changes etc. if you have been taking steroids for some time because the Pred can reduce how well you absorb these and deplete your nutrient levels . Very low or Deficienct B12 or Folates can cause a Anaemia , blood sugar and insulin problems and skin and hair problems among other things so it's worth asking the GP to do these tests to rule them out.

Has your diet changed or have you lost your appetite during and since having COVID?

That may have also caused weight loss which could improve as you recover fully.

If your diet hasn't changed and the weight loss is obvious or happened quickly you should discuss it with the GP because there could be other health issues causing it which need ruling out sooner rather than later .

Let us know what you find out and I hope things improve soon, take care , Bee

[perceptual63]

For me (not prednisone related), anemia caused unbearable itching.