Question: I have been on replacement cortisone following surgery for over 20 years. Are there health problems related to long term replacement that my doctor and I should watch for?

Answer: Patients who have been on long term glucocorticoid (cortisone) replacement may be at risk for development of osteoporosis. Over-replacement with cortisone is quite common and significant bone loss may occur. All patients on hydrocortisone replacement should probably have a bone mineral density study done to assess their bone health.

By Dr. James Findling MD (Spring, 2000)