What are the dangers of taking hormones for a long time

The most common anti-inflammatory drug is hormone, which is an indispensable drug especially for patients with lupus erythematosus. But we also know that all medicines are toxic. Reasonable use of hormones can help our bodies recover, but improper use will lead to various complications. You can take hormones, but you need to be cautious when taking them for a long time. What are the dangers of taking hormones for a long time?

Corticosteroids have been used to treat lupus erythematosus for more than 50 years. In this short history, there have been successful experiences and failed lessons. In the process of continuous exploration and discussion, people have concluded that the use of any drug has both positive and negative effects. As for hormones, if used properly, they can be said to be life-saving drugs, and it is not an exaggeration to compare them to bridges to health. However, if used improperly, hormones can become poisons, and their side effects cannot be ignored. Generally speaking, most of their side effects are related to dosage and duration of treatment.

1. Infection: Because it can inhibit the body's response to inflammation, the body's ability to resist infection decreases. Therefore, superficial or mild infections may develop into systemic infections, and dormant infections may turn into active infections, which can make potential lesions such as purulent lesions and tuberculosis active and spread. Therefore, you should pay attention to preventing infections and carefully observe the condition. If necessary, reduce the dosage and stop using the drug in time. When acute infection and poisoning occur, it must be used in combination with sufficient and effective antibacterial drugs. Patients with tuberculosis should use it with sufficient anti-tuberculosis drugs.

2. Body shape changes: Many patients receiving hormone treatment may experience body shape changes, which may affect the patient's spirit and mood. Since long-term use of hormones can redistribute fat, patients may have moon face, buffalo hump, trunk obesity, thin limbs, centripetal obesity and other body shape changes. They may also have acne, hirsutism, purple skin lines and other changes that affect their beauty.

3. Diabetes: Hormones can increase liver glycogen, supplement blood sugar, and induce diabetes. When using large amounts of corticosteroids, you should pay attention to changes in blood sugar and urine sugar. If hyperglycemia occurs, hypoglycemic drugs should be given for treatment. Insulin treatment can be used when necessary. However, as the dosage of hormones decreases, the dosage of hypoglycemic drugs or insulin can be reduced.

4. Osteoporosis: Hormones can cause bone decalcification and turn into osteoporosis. Osteoporosis refers to the reduction of bone mass per unit volume, just like reducing the amount of steel bars in building a house, which can easily cause fractures. Aseptic bone necrosis, especially bone necrosis occurring in the femoral head, is also a common complication. However, its pathogenesis may be bone necrosis of the femoral head caused by blood circulation disorders and capillaries in the femoral head. Because the cause of necrosis is not bacterial infection, it is also called aseptic femoral head necrosis. Therefore, patients who use hormones for a long time must have bone density measurements regularly to know their condition. At the same time, they should take vitamins and calcium preparations while taking hormones. This can reduce the bone loss caused by corticosteroids to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Appropriate physical exercise can promote blood circulation in the bones, promote metabolism, and help prevent and treat osteoporosis and femoral head necrosis. Calcium supplementation is a long-term task, and patients must be consistent and persistent in order to achieve better results.