Is 17.5 mg hydrocortisone/daily safe? My cortisol is low.I keep hearing two sides to this ? and I'm so confused,lol.
Posted by joalo (Member # 12752) on :
Up.
Posted by Scrappy (Member # 25888) on :
I've kind of wondered this too regarding longer term safety and effects.
My LLMD put me on a daily dose just a wee bit lower than yours.
Not real thrilled about it, but given what my cortisol levels were upon testing and how it helped me cope, I didn't fuss.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Hydrocortisone is very close to what the body makes naturally, so from that standpoint, it is good.
Excess steroid hormones can suppress the immune system, which is why most on here will make a big deal about avoiding steroids.
HOWEVER, if you have low adrenal function and need the support, then taking the hydrocortisone may actually improve your immune system and your body's ability to tolerate Lyme/coinfection treatment.
Therefore, if your doctor has tested you and found that you need the adrenal support, then it is probably a good thing to take.
17 1/2mg is about the same as 4mg Prednisone, which is about what the body makes naturally. No, this is not a huge dose, so it should be safe.
If you have trouble with energy later in the day, you can divide the dose so that you take about 2/3-3/4 of the dose in the morning (preferrably between 6-9am), and then the remaining 1/2 or 1/4 of the dose in the mid afternoon (3-5pm). Conversely, if taking it in the afternoon causes insomnia, then try taking all of the med in the morning.
Side-effects are possible from this low dose of Hydrocortisone, but can be offset with a few supplements and dietary changes:
Make sure you are taking enough Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D (helps calcium absorption), Vitamin K (helps calcium get put into bones), Vitamin C, and Essential Fatty Acids (fish oil is the best source). This will support bone health while you are taking steroids. Do not take calcium within 2 hours of taking the Hydrocortisone - they interfere with the absorption of each other.
Steroids promote sodium retention and potassium & calcium loss, so watch your electrolytes and dietary sodium content.
Steroids also promote water retention. Exercise, drinking enough fluids, reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake can help offset this problem.
Steroids also interfere with sulfur metabolism, which is why they can sometimes make it easier to get soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tendon/ligament problems) and can cause thinning of the skin. MSM (sulfur) is one of the best supplements to help offset this problem, along with Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps direct where the MSM is needed, and sulfur is used in skin and connective tissue throughout the body.
Exercise is critically important also for improving water retention and preventing bone density loss. The best exercise for bones is resistance/weight-bearing exercise (weight lifting, etc.).
My Husband has been on oral steroids for his severe food allergic disease and he takes the above supplements in addition to a daily MultiVitamin. He has improved his bone density significantly while taking steroids by using the above supplements and hiking on weekends.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I've been on 10mg cortef for about 8 or 9 yrs. Thanks for the tips, Razzle.
I know I don't get enough calcium.
Posted by Christine H. (Member # 19340) on :
To Razzle.This is strange.It says on the hydrocortisone bottle...take with food or milk.That would mean taking it with calcium.
Posted by annier1071 (Member # 28977) on :
I was just put on 20mg cortef time released once a day. I am only on second day and have been sick both days. Today is worse than than yesterday.
I am now even dizzier, even in my sleep. My hands are shaking and my heart is skipping. I did not take the meds today. I also take DHEA 25mgs a day since it is also low.
I am not sure whether to keep taking it or stay off of it. I am dizzy enough without this adding to it? Any suggestions.
Posted by skies (Member # 28064) on :
Annie--Maybe the 20 mg is too much for you?? I would call your LLMD and tell him what you've been experiencing.
The dose of this med can be adjusted up or down depending on your needs (as long as you don't go too high, which is supposedly not good).
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Low dose it!!
Posted by lymeboy (Member # 24769) on :
I do 25/day. My cortisol levels were quite low, I am on the fence about it. My condition has worsened since starting it, but that is probably because I am treating Bart and Babesia at the same time.
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
wow-theres another thread about this today. i seem better when i take only 5 mg a day. but docs have taken me off it. now i crash-profound fatigue -from 3-6. then get 2nd wind and cant sleep w/o helpe before 11pm-3am
i think i need to go back on...but i wa also thinking of starting salt/c...woner if the sodium will be a problem