Prednisone is a well-known steroid drug that is used mainly as a treatment for inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancers. Many persons who use this drug have reported to experience severe problems related to health after a sudden withdrawal. If you are a woman and have been using this drug, you might be experiencing side effects relating to your menstrual cycle. But, how can Prednisone affect your period? Read on below to know more.
The Prednisone drug can be very helpful to persons who are suffering from any severe disease. This is because it covers a broad spectrum of diseases which originates from allergy, autoimmune, and tumor. It’s been used all across the world and has reportedly saved a lot of lives.
One of the common ways in which it’s used is as a hydrocortisone replacement. Hydrocortisone is a hormone that adrenal gland produce and it play a vital role in regulating bodily functions for survival. The production of this hormone can be affected in persons who have Addison’s disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, birth defect or those who undergo surgery to remove their adrenal gland.
How Can Prednisone Affect Your Period
Even though Prednisone is considered a life-saving drug, many persons who use it have reported some adverse side effects. The benefit far outweighs the potential risks of the side effects, which depends mainly on the amount of time you are using it and the amount that is consumed.
If you are using steroids in high dosages, you could have problems related to your menstrual cycle. This drug can interfere with your period and cause you to have irregular periods, especially after prolonged use. Aside from the irregularity in your menstrual cycle, you might not have a period at all. In addition, some women experience heavy bleeding, severe abdominal cramps, upset stomach, and more while using the drug. Your breasts might also appear swollen because of the fat deposition.
Prednisone is basically mimicking the natural hormones that your adrenal glands produce. When it’s prescribed in large doses, it will work to suppress inflammation. If your own tissues are being attacked by your immune system, the drug can suppress the immune system functions to help decrease the activity. If you take it for more than seven days, your hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA will be affected.
Now, if you did not withdraw suddenly from Prednisone but you can no longer deal with the side effects it might be time to stop. A good recommendation is to take to your doctor about discontinuing or withdrawing from the drug in order to know about the potential symptoms you might experience.
It is important to note that the time it would take for you to withdraw fully will depend on your personal circumstances. The withdrawal symptoms often clear up in three to four weeks after the last dose. If you are using lower doses, you could have a full recovery anywhere from one to two week or several months. You can consult your doctor if you need more information about the effects that Prednisone can have on your menstrual period.
