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Smallest amount of prednisone for adrenal glands to work again?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 21 7:30pm | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
Yes … I was offered hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency but it is just another corticosteroid. The endocrinologist that I saw gave me the option of staying on prednisone. She didn’t think hydrocortisone would make much difference for adrenal insufficiency. It probably isn’t as good for PMR either because I would have had to take hydrocortisone three times per day.
Replies to "@kjoed53 Yes … I was offered hydrocortisone for adrenal insufficiency but it is just another corticosteroid...."
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@dadcue
Both are corticosteroids, but they differ in potency, duration, and side-effect profile. Hydrocortisone more closely mimics our natural cortisol and causes less adrenal suppression than prednisone. It also has less effect on bone density. It's not supposed to treat PMR as it should only be used to treat the adrenal insufficiency that can occur with long term prednisone use, and as a means of ending prednisone use. For some people, the bone loss from prednisone use is a serious concern and hydrocortisone would be preferable for them. It's an option that should be considered if bone loss is a concern or if elimination of prednisone is preferred.