Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Anyone know about about adrenal insufficiency?

I’m looking for science-based information on steroid-induced adrenal insufficiency in RA.

  1. Hi Jo J! While this is not a topic of which I have firsthand knowledge, there are some interesting studies and general information on the condition. Here is a pretty dense article on the topic of recovery and this condition -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5682381/. And here's a helpful PDF with basic information -- http://aiunited.org/wp-content/uploads/STEROIDS-ASTHMA.pdf. And here is some more information from a site focused on adrenal conditions -- https://www.nadf.us/adrenal-diseases/secondary-adrenal-insufficiency/. While I hope this information is useful, please know that by providing these links, I am not endorsing these sites. It's always best to discuss any medical questions with your physician, if you haven't done so already. I hope this is a good place to start with information on this issue and thank you for reaching out! Don't hesitate to contact us again if you have further questions. Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.

    1. Thank you Erin for your research and reply! The last document is especially helpful. I’ve basically been on some form of steroids for way too long. I’m about to trial a 4th Biologic. I’m hopeful this will work and we can finally be successful weaning the steroids. It’s interesting, I’ve been logging many of my symptoms and they definitely are mostly negatively affected by stress and positively by steroids. Not so much by my other RA meds. Looking for the next, safer magic bullet.

      1. I have had RA for about 30 years. I had brain tumor removed two years ago and due to damage to pituitary gland now have Adrenal Insufficiency. I have to take several drugs for hormone therapy and get labs like semi annually. Also have to wear a medical alert type bracelet with Adrenal Insufficiency on it. Though it wasn't related to my RA.

        Please read our rules before posting.