Although my focus is to attempt to use natural treatment methods whenever possible, I realize there is a time and place for prescription drugs, as well as surgery, and other medical procedures. The problem is that most medical doctors become too reliant on conventional medical treatments, and many times these doctors don’t do anything to determine the actual cause of a problem. Sure, sometimes the medication they prescribe has minimal side effects, even if taken long term. On the other hand, other drugs they recommend to their patients can have severe implications if taken long term.
Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, fall under the latter category. In fact, even when taken for a short period of time these drugs put a major strain on our bodies. And when taken over a period of many months or years, the consequences can be detrimental. Corticosteroids can affect many of the bodily systems, including the thyroid gland and adrenals.
Corticosteroids Can Cause Or Worsen Hypothyroidism
The way that corticosteroids can cause the development of hypothyroidism, or worsen it in individuals who already have this condition, is by reducing or stopping the secretion of TSH. This in turn will result in a reduction of thyroid hormone in the body. So if someone is taking a drug such as Prednisone for a long period of time, it is possible this can lead to the development of hypothyroidism. This is why fully evaluating each patient on an individual basis is important, as any good doctor needs to know which prescription drugs each of their patients are taking, as they can provide a lot of useful information as to why someone is experiencing certain symptoms.
This of course isn’t to suggest that taking corticosteroids is the cause of most cases of hypothyroidism, as this obviously isn’t the reason why most people develop hypothyroid conditions. But because these drugs can potentially lead to hypothyroidism, as well as other conditions, it is extremely important to find out if someone is taking these drugs, as well as other medications which can affect the thyroid gland and endocrine system in general. This is why it is important for any medical doctor to find out all of the medications, as well as any nutritional supplements and herbs their patients are taking.
Corticosteroids Can Also Affect The Health Of The Adrenal Glands
In addition to affecting the thyroid gland, corticosteroids also can affect the health of the adrenal glands. The reason for this is because the adrenal glands secrete cortisol, which of course is a natural steroid hormone of the body. When someone takes corticosteroids, which are artificial steroid hormones, they compete with the natural steroid hormone cortisol, and therefore this suppresses the adrenal glands. The problem is that the artificial steroid hormones don’t function the same way as natural cortisol, and in fact have some potentially harmful side effects.
As I’ve mentioned in numerous posts and articles in the past, compromised adrenal glands in turn can impact thyroid health. Weakened adrenal glands can also lead to a compromised immune system, leading to an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Other Consequences Of Taking Corticosteroids
I’m not going to talk about all of the different conditions that long term use of corticosteroids can lead to. Since this is a site that focuses on endocrine disorders, I mainly wanted to make you aware of the impact this drug can have on some of the main endocrine glands of the body. And if all corticosteroids did was affect the thyroid and adrenal glands, this alone would be enough to justify avoiding these drugs whenever possible. But in addition to causing problems with the endocrine system, taking synthetic steroid hormones such as Prednisone can cause many other side effects, and lead to other conditions in the future. It can cause loss of calcium of the bone, leading to the development of osteoporosis, can cause menstrual problems, cataracts, can worsen diabetes, and can cause many other problems.
Once again, I realize that there are times when taking corticosteroids is necessary. But it’s frustrating that many medical doctors frequently prescribe these drugs as if the side effects were minimal. Granted, if someone has a severe allergy, or is getting an organ transplant, then I can understand recommending corticosteroids. So in emergency situations, or if the person is having severe symptoms, then using corticosteroids for a short period of time is perfectly fine. But in most cases you want to avoid long term use of corticosteroids in order to avoid developing the side effects and conditions mentioned above.
In summary, steroid medication has some benefits, but there are also many risks involved, especially when taken over a long period of time. So if you are prescribed corticosteroids for a condition that is non life-threatening and/or doesn’t involve severe symptoms, you might want to think twice about taking these powerful drugs, and perhaps look into some natural alternatives instead. I’m not telling you to stop taking corticosteroids if you’re currently taking them, as this is only a decision that you can make on your own. As usual, my goal is to simply let you know about some of the potential risks involved, so that you can make an informed decision.
Very interesting information! I was dx. with MCTD and Sjogren’s 20 years ago. It has been a very rocky road since then. Dx. w adrenal insufficiency 3 years ago. Dx. w Graves dz. 8 years ago. Took Methimazole. Had a left thyroidectomy 2 years ago. Have been on 5mg of Prednisone for 18 years and am on other immunosuppressive drugs,(Leflunomide and Plaquenil for 15 years). I am experiencing globs of fat on my hips that I never had before, and enlargement of breasts…2 cup sizes over last month. Difficulty in thinking of words when speaking sentences, peripheral neuropathy is worse, especially in bilateral hands..Carpal tunnel appeared 10 years ago. Muscle aching and bone pain worse.No appetite with weight gain. Thyroid labs wnl. Can immunosuppressive drugs cause the labs to be normal even when the symptoms are suggestive of hypothyroidism?
Hi Debra,
You definitely have a lot going on, and hopefully you are working with a natural healthcare professional to help improve your overall health. Studies show that Prednisone can potentially affect the TSH levels, but I don’t know of any evidence showing that other immunosuppressive drugs can directly affect the thyroid hormone levels. However, they can decrease the thyroid antibodies, which in turn can affect the thyroid panel.
Hi Doc, my 18 year old son was put on two courses of prednisone in a month for pneumonia. Shortly after discontinuing the steroid he began sweating profusely while doing his normal baseball workouts. I mentioned this to his doc and he did blood work on his thyroid and T4 came back elevated at 2.24 while TSH was normal at 1.94. He has been off the steroids for 3 months now. Do you think this could have damaged his thyroid and if so do you think it will be permanent? Any suggestions? Thanks for your consideration!
Hi Dr. Eric,
My name is James, I’m 37, and I have never had any previous thyroid issues in my life. Two weeks ago I suddenly began feeling pain and tenderness around my thyroid area. Although it has subsided somewhat, I still feel it, and visited an ENT doctor yesterday. I gave me a work up for blood work and a ultrasound, which I have yet to schedule.
I came across your article because I had remembered that I did a course of corticosteroids in the beginning of June for treatment of eczema. I don’t recall the exact name, but it was steroid that you took like a z-pac .. 5 pills on the first day, 4 on the next, etc .. for 5 days. The eczema went away pretty quickly.
The thyroid pain started probably 3-4 weeks after my steroid course was completed. This was not a long term steroid treatment, but I wanted to see if you thought this one-time simple prescription could be the cause of my thyroid inflammation?
Hello Dr.
My autoimmune disease is not life threatening, however, corticosteroids are the only available treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. There is no alternative. I have had many relapses, NSAIDs do not work for this disease and anybody who thinks they can control PMR without steroids soon realises that the only way to beat the pain and live relatively normally is with steroids. Naturally, the dose is tapered gradually, but most people have it for 3 or 5 years or more, many like myself suffer relapes particularly if they get a viral infection, undergo surgery or have a major crisis in their lives, and some people never recover from PMR. It is a devastating disease and without steroids it is crippling. Of course there are side-effects but if one is careful about diet, exercise and plenty of rest they can be reduced. After 8 years on steroid treatment my bones are still strong. A thyroid nodule was found during an MRI to check on my spine, and I am referred to see a specialist, but an endocrinologist friend read the US report and says I have nothing to worry about. Thyroid nodules are common.
Request your dr perform a reverse T3 & T4 lab. Typically insurance does not cover this. Sometimes the body uses more hormone than normal. This test will show if you are one of the small percent with this problem. If your regular MD refuses to do this for you then look for someone who practices Integrative Medicine. They will be more open to it. Good luck
Thanks for the info. I was given 5 days course of Prednisone. Since then, it appears there is an elephant sitting on my throat whenever I eat, although it’s improved a bit, my throat has not returned to normal. I am even scared to eat certain food. Sadly the leaflet of the Prednisone didn’t mention any side effects of such.
I seem to be having the same feeling you described after taking 10 day course of prednisone(stopped 2 days early because I couldn’t handle anymore). How are you now?
So have I only was on it for short period of time my throat is was so tight felt like a belt was around it . It has went down some but still uncomfortable. Any updates with you guys?
I have been on corticosteroids for 6 months for relief of a compressed disc causing severe nerve pain. I have taken Prednisone, and Methylprednisolone in a dose pack. I have gained 18 pounds in the last three months.The first three I was fine. The last three, not so much. It was a lot of weight fast. Is this typical? I have hypothyroidism that I take Synthroid for. Could my thyroid have slowed down? People have told me steroids cause you to hold onto water but 18 pounds worth, I doubt it. Help! I need advice! What can I do to battle this consistent weight gain? It is not stopping. Thank you for the help!
I am positive SLE which lead to kidney disease. Had started taking predisone. I’m aware that it has several side-effects including gain weight. Unfortunately, I lose weight continuously & drastically despite good appetite. Dr is now suspecting I am hyperthyroidism due to losing weight + other symptoms of Thyroid.
My red blood count was only 6. That made the Dr put me a high dose of predisone.
Which is actually contribute to hyperthyroidism, SLE or predisone?
Zai, the prednisone probably didn’t directly lead to hyperthyroidism. However, it can cause a leaky gut, which is a factor in autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ disease. Keep in mind that having one autoimmune condition can make it more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions, and so it’s possible that what triggered the SLE could have also triggered Graves’ disease, although it’s also possible that you can have multiple autoimmune triggers.
I had thyroiditis is, neck swelling with slight pain 4 months postpartum. TFT showed sud clinical toxicity with high ESR =85. USG showed hypoecoic and hypovascular areas. Gland appeared swollen. Was prescribed Omnacortil for 27 days. Significant and prompt improvement. Now off since 3 weeks symptoms recurred.
LCB 6 months, Lactating.
Now- Goiter 1b, form, gender right lobe.
Current status TSH – 0.08, T4 – 14.17 (4.6-12.0), FT3- 5.74 (2.3-4.2), FT4- 1.98 (0.89-1.760), Ca++- 9.5, LDL- 96, Creatinine- 0.56, SGPT- 31, FPG – 89, CRP HS – 20.6, HB – 11.3, U.Albumin- Nil, U. Pls Cells- 2-3.
I have been prescribed Deflozacort 12 mg for 6 weeks.
I dont want to take steroids…. How can i cure myself naturally.
Please help.
I was given a steroid injection 6 weeks ago at Urgent Care for Coscochondritis, I became ill immediately after leaving Urgent Care and have not been well since. I am weak and exhausted all the time, my joints ache and I have shortness of breath.
Before the injection none of this was happening, I was active and working out at the gym. My back hurts, my legs ache, I just want to stay in bed (totally unlike me)
I’ve told my regular MD about the injection and how I’m feeling. He does not comment!!
Is this a permanent thing or will this wear off? Im physically miserable and mentally and emotionally drained because it has changed my entire life and limited me to an inactive lifestyle.
THESE THINGS NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF MARKET!!
I was diagnosed with thyroid disorder (if I remember correctly the dr. called it Hashimoto disorder)
i drink 100micrograms euthyrox daily ever since, living a healthy lifestyle with no symptoms. but 2 weeks ago I had an allergic reaction and the GP prescribed cortisone, 30mgs per day for 5 days, on the 3rd day i could not handle the discomfort, felt like my thyroid was swollen, i could not swallow and at times struggled to breath, got very anxious which worsen the effect. then I read that a person with thyroid disorder should not take cortisone. I stopped taking it immediately on Thursday 16 May, but I still struggle with a swollen thyroid, and a unknown anxiety. How long will it take for the cortisone to get out of my system?
Hi there
For IVF I was prescribe 10mg of Prednisone for 9 days which then increased to 20mg every day for 12 weeks.
Do you think that the Prednisone has affected my Thyroid and Methylation process?
I am 15 months post baby and Iwith Hypothyroidism and pregnancy.
TSH: 2.1 in March 2019 now 3.7 June 2019 (normal range 0.3 – 4.0 mIU/L)
FT4: 14 (normal range 10 – 20 pmol/L)
FT3: 4.4 (normal range 3.0 – 6.5 pmol/L)
Thyroid Antibodies (Thyroperoxidase): 180 U/mL (normal range <60U/mL)
Thyroglobulin Antibodies: 280 IU/mL (normal range <115U/mL)
Selenium: 3.13 HIGH (normal range 0.8 – 2.0 umol/L)
25 Hydroxy Vitamin D: 93 (normal range 50 – 150 nmol /L)
Iodide Urine: 135 (normal range 25 – 650 ug/L)
Serum B12: 309 (normal range 170 – 600pmol/L)
Serum Folate: 22 (normal range 5.0 – 45 nmol/L)
Total Homocysteine: 11 (normal range 5.0 – 15 umol/L)
I need to bring my TSH down to 2.5 or less and hopefully my Thyroid Antibodies prior to my next embryo transfer.
I am wondering if:
1) I have a methylation problem processing Selenium and therefore after Iodine and Thyroid.
2) I think that my B12 and Folate levels are too low and Homocysteine to high.
What are your thoughts please?
Regards
Leanne