Prednisone and your thyroid | Arthritis Information

Does anyone know if being on prednisone or tapering off prednisone whacks out your thyroid gland?

I have been having a lot of the symptoms listed for underactive thyroid and I've had blood tests (not recently) but it was fine. When I had the blood tests I wasn't really having any symptoms either. My mom & brother both have underactive however. Is it true there are two tests and one is more sensitive then the other?

Hi WTBF, Yes, Pred has an effect your thyroid. Your doctor should be ordering thyroid tests every 6 months or so. One month I'd be low, the next time I had it tested I'd be high, then low, then high, then it would be normal for a year and then start all over again. It's finally stabilized but I'm also off Pred. Your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, thymus, etc. are easily affected by some of the drugs that we take. This is why we have lab tests every couple of months.

Not sure of all of the lab test for thyroid but there are T3, T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and nuclear studies. Lindy

Thanks Lin-

I don't think I've had one since I was first being dx'd so it's right about time on top of also having these symptoms. I am always cold! Here it is dog days of summer and people think I'm crazy when the fan or AC is very bothersome to me. Also stubborn weight even with dieting, fatigue and constipation. (TMI) sorry.