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Adrenal Insufficiency & Steroids - How to beat the munchies

twoscimitars
twoscimitars Posts: 272 Member
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have recently been diagnosed with Adrenocortical Insufficiency - or Adrenal Insufficiency. It's an autoimmune disease in which my immune system is attacking my adrenal glands, and thus my adrenal glands aren't producing enough cortisol - also known as hydrocortisone. This causes myriad symptoms including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sinus problems, allergies, etc.

The common treatment for this is steroid therapy. Let me clear up the possibility of confusion. These steroids are NOT THE SAME as anabolic steroids - the types athletes use. These steroids are just replacing what my body is not making - similar to the thyroid medicine I take daily. I now have to take a daily dose of hydrocortisone every day, for the rest of my life.

I've been on the treatment for only a week or two now and I already feel different. Like a new person. My energy is back, I'm less achy, less tired, my attitude is better, the list goes on.

Here's the issue: I'M SO DAMN HUNGRY. I constantly have the munchies.

Is anyone else on a similar treatment? How do you combat the munchies?


To those who will undoubtedly weigh in with reasons why steroid treatment is a bad thing, please be aware that I have read all of the pros and cons of this type of treatment. I have chosen to move forward with it despite any of the negative aspects. I do not need a science or medical lesson. I am taking all necessary steps to minimize any side effects of such a treatment.

Replies

  • twoscimitars
    twoscimitars Posts: 272 Member
    Bump
  • Dondigan
    Dondigan Posts: 6 Member
    Hi there! I also have adrenal insufficiency, secondary. I am on Prednisone every morning and am steroid dependent. That's the only hormone of mine I have a problem with.

    All I can say, because I'm only 2.5 yrs into my dx, is that moderation is key for munchies. And drink plenty of water.

    Can we add each other? It would be nice to have someone who KNOWS what I'm dealing with.
  • Jille0
    Jille0 Posts: 62 Member
    I have panhypopituitarism and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency for about two years. I am actively working on losing weight. The last nine weeks I have lost 14 pounds. I try to eat protein with vegetables or fruit to keep me full. I stay within my calories and log everything. A food scale can help with accurate food portions ( I have one, but haven't been diligent in using it). It really helps to make sure your hormones are in balance to help lose. I currently take 25 mg of hydrocortisone daily and a lot of other pituitary hormone v replacement drugs.
  • rlw2014
    rlw2014 Posts: 2 Member
    I have severe asthma. I take prednisone nearly every month. I get hungry so much. I try to eat more protein and more fiber. I drink a lot of water mainly because I take mucinex twice a day. I tend to have fresh veggies at hand to snack on. I hope this helps.
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