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Pharmacy and Medications

Could Prednisone Cause Ealry Menopause?

08/15/2008

Question:

I am 35 years old and have been taking Prednisone for 4 years now. My family doctor told me that I am starting menopause that might be induced by the Prednisone. Is this typical for long use of Prednisone to have early menopause? Can you give me some infromation on this?

Answer:

Menopause is caused by a decrease in estrogen.

Prednisone can cause bone loss or osteoporosis.  Prednisone can reduce the amount of calcium available to your body for bones as well as decrease estrogen production.   Premenopausal women on long-term prednisone therapy should have a bone density test to check for signs of osteoporosis.   Your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy to help prevent osteoporosis. 

Submitted by: Michelle Herderick, PharmD Candidate, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Carmen M. Hadley, RPh, CSPI
Clinical Instructor
Central Ohio Poison Center
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
College of Pharmacy
The Ohio State University