Side effect of hydrocortisone

[Guest guest]

I am disappointed to find that I seem to be experiencing side

effects of relatively low doses of Hydrocortisone.

This is my backgound:

I have been overtly hypothyroid (HAIT) for about twenty-five years,

though not diagnosed until 1986. Treated at first with thyroxine

(T4),then for about ten years with combined T4/T3, almost always at

unsatisfactory doses, even though I complained constantly. Also had

a short period of hyperthyroidism because of a nodule which was

treated with RAI. This year it seems everything has shut down, the

antibodies have fizzled out as there is nothing left to attack, and

I have become extremely hypo -- all while supposedly being treated.

During the winter, if I went outside even for a few minutes my

temperature would drop below 35 degrees Celsius (about 95 degrees

Fahrenheit). Sometimes I became very cold and shivery even indoors,

where we kept the thermostat at 23 degrees C (about 73 degrees F).

Of course there were many other symptoms as well.

In July I fortunately discovered an excellent doctor who said I was

VERY hypothyroid and prescribed NTH. I am currently taking 270 mg

of the generic NTH. She also prescribed Hydrocortisone, because the

saliva test revealed that I was in Stage 5 of adrenal fatigue. On

20 mg of HC I noticed absolutely no improvement of any symptoms, so

the dose was increased to 30 mg. But recently, after a few weeks at

30 mg, I noticed swollen ankles, and the fluid was also being

retained up my legs (and possibly elsewhere). I had a battery of

tests of various kinds which showed no problems, so it was decided

that the fluid retention must be a side effect of the

hydrocortisone. I was told to reduce it, and I have -- so far to 20

mg. After ten days of the reduced dose, the swelling in my ankles

and legs has not gone down.

So I have questions which I hope an experienced person can answer.

Should I continue to reduce the dose of Hydrocortisone, and if so,

how often and by how much?

What can I do if the HC dose I need for optimising my thyroid

treatment has to be reduced or even discontinued because of side

effects?

[The excellent doctor is in a distant city. I can communicate with

her by phone or e-mail, but possibly not over the Christmas/New Year

period in which everything virtually closes down for ten days.]

[Guest guest]

I have had the same problem but my fluid retention started LONG before I

ever took HC so I know the real cause! What do your thyroid labs look

like an have you had RT3 tested? I would suggest gettign that done ASAP.

HIgh Rt3 vcan block the T3 in the naturl thyroid from being able to work

and the fluid is from HYPO not the HC, though the HC will make it worse

as it uses up the thyroid you do have in your body. I have had to take

fluid pills while raising my T3 to a good dose adn now weaning off the

fluid pills adn VOILA.. the swelling is not returning!

--

Artistic Grooming- Hurricane WV

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormonesADRENALS/

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