low dose pred, odd symptoms?

[Cfmad298601]

hi all, currently tapering down from 5mg to 4.5 very slowly….seems to be going ok so far.

But I’ve noticed I’m getting more hot flushes, not sure if PMR/low pred related or it’s menopause symptoms kicking in again 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m also getting hunger pangs and odd cravings, sometimes for sweet things…sometimes for savory stuff???.

I have an appointment for a cortisol blood test in a few days so maybe that’ll help see if things are on track?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Symptoms of poor adrenal function (low corticosteroid) may include:

Extreme fatigue

Weight loss and loss of appetite

Areas of darkened skin

Low blood pressure, even fainting

Salt craving

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia

Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

Abdominal pain

Muscle and joint pain

Irritability

Depression

Body hair loss or sexual issues in some people

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

which would account for your cravings. Some people get sweats too, especially if the blood steroid level is swinging about a bit.

[Cfmad298601 in reply to PMRpro]

I had some bloods taken a few days ago, as I’m on mtx i have them every 6-8 weeks.

They all seemed fairly consistent and on an even keel as with previous ones so nothing obvious there - but I will wait to see the results of the cortisol one being done soon.

I also had a dexa scan a couple of weeks ago, waiting for the results- really hoping I can kiss goodbye to the horse pills 💊!!!!!,

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Like PMRpro I would be considering low adrenal function- maybe have a look at this -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRCanada]

Interesting (both the questions and responses).

I too am 61, on MTX, and tapering slowly down to 5mg pred. Cravings for sugary and savoury foods have emerged, despite a history of not ever craving sweets. I’ve also noticed feeling light-headed, dizzy and increased sweating and hot flashes (usually at nights). I do check my bp a few times per month at my GP’s request as I used to have high bp and take medication…results are always good. I seem to have less patience lately as well, and find myself biting my tongue or walking away. Chalking it up to adrenals struggling to wake up.

Unlike you though, no talk of a cortisol test here in Ontario, Canada. Seems they are not performed often, or until a lower dose.

It is reassuring and normalizing to know others are experiencing similar symptoms at this stage…thanks for posting.

[Cfmad298601 in reply to PMRCanada]

You summed it all up perfectly 👍

Glad I’m not the only one, thought i was losing my mind. I’ve put on about 10kgs over the past 20 months and desperate to lose it. But struggling with these adhoc cravings which is not usual for me, and come out of the blue. The flashes just seemed to start too, not so much sweats but just intense, sudden heat from torso/chest upwards, several times a day & into the night.

I think my Rheumy ordered my cortisol test as I was below 5mg and tapering lower, perhaps you could ask for one to be scheduled?

Don’t you just love this condition, just keeps on giving, doesn’t it 🙄

[ubaoz in reply to Cfmad298601]

You're most definitely not the only one. I'm at 5mg at the moment and all of the above apply to me too by the bucketload, especially the hot flushes. As you say, a condition/medication that just keeps on giving…