Hey guys,

I've been taking prednisone for about eight months...I was on a very high dose during the first 4-months or so (60-80 mgs)...I stopped having a period until I reduced my rx to 50, and have been tapering ever since...

I'm curious as to how cortisol, or high levels of it, affect sex hormones...Does estrogen, testosterone, progersterone, etc. become lower while on high doses, or do some become higher? The reason I ask is because after drastically reducing my dosage of prednisone to about 5mgs EOD, I've noticed breast pain, swelling and heaviness....Simultaneously, I've noticed that some fat that collected on my upper chest has gone away....I'm now wondering if my sex hormones have increased, or the fat maybe drained into my breasts? I know that last one might seem silly. I'm just really trying to figure out what's going on here...

I'm also on Imuran, and from what i've searched, it doesn't seem to affect sex hormones, but I could be wrong.


I'm concerned about pregnancy. I've used two home tests and both were negative. I just had one done at my doctor's office, and am waiitng for results. I am at a low 'risk' for pregnancy since I use contraception (condoms), and I just had a period two and a half weeks ago, and I know that the tests could be inaccurate because it's too early...

I'm very confused about what's going on...Help, anyone!

I'm not sure if this was the right place to post this problem...lol...I was trying to find a section for cushing's issues, and figured this was the closest..

Anyway, I ended up having a period. It was the most brutal I've ever had. I figure prednisone does lower estrogen, so that when you're off, it shoots up like no one's business..

Just wanted to update in case anyone ever has a scare like this. The possibility of pregnancy while on many dangerous meds. (in terms of affecting the baby) and having a serious disease can be a scary prospect.