Cortisol Blocker

[getnbigger]

I was hoping someone out there could help me with the following.

I take Prednisone for a severe eczema I have. I was thinking about getting on a cortisol blocker. My question is this:
Are cortisone and cortisol the some thing (basically)?
And, would it be counterproductive to take a cortisol blocker if I need the cortisone to stay eczema free?

Thanks.

GB

 

[MikeS]

If you take a blocker, you may as well just stop the meds.
Cortisone is a specific drug. The receptors that respond to this type of
drug (also like Prednisone) are Cortisol receptors.
You dont want to completely shut down cortisol, it will result in severe sides; and your body will compensate by making a substance similar to it called ACTH.

 

[Snarf]

Cortisol/cortisone/prednisone/corticosteroids/glucocorticoids are all basically the same things.

What kind of blocker are you wanting to take? Many "blockers" do not really block receptor site activity. They simply diminish endogenous production of cortisol to varying degrees. Usually, this is by reducing some element of stress that is causing the elevated levels of cortisol.

A true blocker is really a cortisol receptor antagonist. This would interfere with your prednisone's ability to control your eczema.

Some blockers really just reduce the production of cortisol from your adrenal glands. Usually, it only reduces or limits spikes in your cortisol levels and does not put you in a subnormal cortisol situation.

What are your goals in taking a cortisol blocker and what agents are you considering using? I can give you more info if I know what you are trying to do.

 

[MikeS]

Anabolic Steroids are known to block the cortisol receptor. But absolutely does not eliminate cortisol, which would be unhealthy.