A member asked:

For patients with partial adrenal insufficiency, does hydrocortisone replacement of 20-30 mg daily cause iatrogenic cushings given that the pituitary and adrenals still function to some degree?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Depends: Without knowing your cortisol levels it is impossible to know whether you are simply being replaced or having too much for just replacement. Why not discuss with the doctor who is treating you? Hope you are better soon . Good luck.

Answered 5/30/2013

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Dr. Joshua Tarkoff answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Depends: It really depeds what you mean by cushings. You may get some of the characteristics..Weight gain, immune dysfunction, but the classic physical signs are likely absent. The dose of 20-30 mg of hc is actually a bit above the "physiologic " dose of hc that would be similar to what the adrenals normally produce. As a result, the pituitary/adrenal are essentially shut down.

Answered 6/7/2013

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Related Questions

A member asked:

Why have I been put on cortef (hydrocortisone) for adrenal insufficiency?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers