Hypothyroidism Support Group

Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...

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Can steroids make depression worse?

gordos4
gordos4
I started taking steroids for PMR. I also have beginning stages of RA. I have been taking them for almost 2 months. My depression & anxiety seem to be getting worse. I quit taking the steroids on my own 3 days ago. My pain is coming back, but I would rather feel physical pain than emotional pain. I am hoping my doctor will give me some hormones at my appt. Thursday. I am SO desperate to feel better, I am willing to try anything.
MButterfly
MButterfly
Ok, just to clarify:

You have a thyroid problem? If so are you on thyroid meds? If so, how much?

AND you have rheumatoid arthritis?
AND you have Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) ?

Gurl, do NOT go off your steroids. You do NOT want to do that. You especially do NOT want to do that with those two conditions without your doctor's help/consent. PMR can become quite serious quite quickly. I'm not trying to scare you...it's just how it is. Steroids are the only defense.

If depression is getting you down, there's NOTHING wrong with taking a mild anti-depressant. Many people report good results with citalopram - especially female patients.

Now, to answer your question - IF you have a thyroid problem like hypothyroidism AND you begin steroids - your thyroid hormones can take a "dip" which can result in depression or a depressed feeling...some say it's almost suicidal in nature. If you're feeling suicidal - get your issues addressed immediately. Don't wait. Explain that you have all these things going on and you might benefit from adding an anti-depressant AND get them to pull your thyroid levels ASAP TSH, Free T3 and Free T4. If they're low - demand (nicely) in increase in meds.

I feel your pain, I truly do. You know your body better than anyone else...and I get that. Make sure your doctor does too.
MButterfly
MButterfly
PS If you care to share your labs - that would certainly help us know what's going on with you.
gordos4
gordos4
MButterfly, I have Hashimotos, PMR & beginning stages of RA. I started taking my steroid again, because the pain was too much for me. but the dose is decreasing. I inherited all of these wonderful things from my mom. I know it wasn't her fault. I am also on 120mg of Armour. I just don't feel right since I started on the steroids, I am wayyy more moody & don't really feel like Im serving any purpose right now besides costing my husband money & taking up air & space. The only thing keeping me here is my kids, who are all grown, thank God. At least my body waited until my kids were grown to fall apart lol. The stress they have caused me has also been a factor. I just feel BLAH! Sorry for the vent.
GageL
GageL
Agree with MB. When I started taking HC for hypoadrenal, it screwed with my thyroid levels and that made me feel badly for sure, mild depression, anxiety. That has since evened out but I still hate the HC however, just dont like steroids but a necessary element for treatment. Dont stop your steroids cold, very dangerous.