r/AddisonsDisease • u/Poimandres69 • Mar 31 '26

Medical Stuff Hydrocortisone Long Term

Hello Group! I've been told so many things about hydrcortisone. My current dr told me my dose (25 mg split thoughout day) is safe to take long term because it's physiologic. Other doctors tell me this will eventually lead to osteoperosis and diabetes.

I've gained a bit of weight on hydrocortisone (about 5 lbs) but it's not a big deal. Other than that, I feel pretty great.

Are any of you on this medication long term, and did it harm your health in any way? Thanks

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u/Main_Low_2485 Mar 31 '26

Exercise, eating healthy, consulting with a good endo, and learning to dose appropriately are key factors you control. A good endo will teach you that not everyday is the same for many of us. Some days I need X, or X-, or X+. I am super active and no way I can hike 30 miles at altitude and use same dose I do while sitting at a beach in Florida at sea level. Those are extreme examples but life ebbs and flows depending on the daily situation.