@pdxmac

In conjunction with PMR and chronic prednisone use the following link discusses what endocrinologists recommend.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12378006/
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I like how Australia summarizes things for us. I like their conclusions because sometimes a slow taper isn't enough. According to my endocrinologist, sometimes a taper wasn't even necessary after my cortisol level was adequate again AND my underlying inflammatory disease was controlled. This wasn't something that I could decide or non-medical people on the internet to decide.

"The management of stopping glucocorticoids, either abruptly or by tapering, requires a nuanced approach to prevent adrenal insufficiency and withdrawal symptoms, while ensuring adequate control of the underlying disease. Cortisol testing for HPA axis function may be required in some cases following prolonged glucocorticoid therapy. Recognising and managing withdrawal syndrome and providing appropriate stress dosing are critical components of care. Patient education is vital to enhance safety, confidence and appropriate clinical outcomes."
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For me --- an a.m. cortisol level appropriately done by my primary care doctor earned me a referral to an endocrinologist. My primary care doctor had the check to see how an a.m cortisol level needed to be done.

Another part was I needed to be symptomatic of adrenal insufficiency. I already had the history of long term prednisone use so that was a given and adrenal insufficiency was "expected" by my endocrinologist.