Cortisone Question

[Dark Helmet]

I seem to recall, years ago, that cortisone injections had been linked to reduced fertility in men(?)

I think cortisone is technically a steriod(?)

Any truth/empirical support, or am I smoking crack with what I remember? This was about ten years ago, and I have avoided cortisone products ever since.

Also, anyone 'in the know' about cortisone, does the topical ointment pose the same/similar threat as the injections, but just not as severe?

[Doc T]

Originally posted by Dark Helmet
I seem to recall, years ago, that cortisone injections had been linked to reduced fertility in men(?)

I think cortisone is technically a steriod(?)

Any truth/empirical support, or am I smoking crack with what I remember? This was about ten years ago, and I have avoided cortisone products ever since.

Also, anyone 'in the know' about cortisone, does the topical ointment pose the same/similar threat as the injections, but just not as severe?


did a medline search and didn't see any articles supporting this concept but do know that high dose steroids have been linked to decrease sperm counts in some studies. This is intravenous dosages used typically in asthmatics and such and anabolic steriods for long periods of time...not injections like you'd get into a joint or the topical stuff unless you were using it in huge dosages very frequently (i believe it does get absorbed but at very low concentrations).

just my 2cents...

doc t.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally posted by Doc T

just my 2cents...

doc t.

Your two cents has an MD behind it, so it's really a bit more than two cents. Thanks.

[frogstyle]

Not even remotely a MD..

But, I know a good deal about Steroids.

The decreased sperm production is do to elevated Test levels which lead to Estrogen spikes in an attempt at homeostasis and testicular atrophy. Since your body detects massive Test it will cease production on its own. This can be "restarted" with a drug called HCG. This will eleviate any Test low period.

Cortisone isnt Testosterone. I belive they are cortico steroids?

Anabolic steriods stimulate protien synthesis, increase white blood cell count,and create a nitrogen positive balance in the body.

The side effects that are dangerous involve the liver.

Side effects that may not be too negative for the right man in the right situation are increased aggressiveness, massive increase in strength, increased immune system function, faster metabolic recovery of muscle fiber, the developemnt of type 2 B fast twitch muscles.



Their arent many studies on AS. But the few that have been completed have led to massive use by AIDS patients and others with compromised immune systems. In fact Pfizers next gamble on big money drugs will be a tesosterone blended with HGH.

High dollar physicians who specialize in "anti aging" medicine, not a large or well regarded field, are writing scripts for Test to any male over 35. Returning youthly vigour, SEX DRIVE, and a lean body.

I know the above for a fact. Thats how actors stay in shape, The blend HGH with Test. Its a fact.

As for the above scince, I am not a MD. Im sure I stand corrected on several points. But the business end I know for a fact. I did some venture capitol work for a pharm co trying to get into this billion dollar market.

Within 5 years any male over 35 will be able to get testsoterone scripts covered by insurance (which is the key to making money on drugs).

[Doc T]

Originally posted by frogstyle
[B]Not even remotely a MD..

But, I know a good deal about Steroids.

The decreased sperm production is do to elevated Test levels which lead to Estrogen spikes in an attempt at homeostasis and testicular atrophy. Since your body detects massive Test it will cease production on its own. This can be "restarted" with a drug called HCG. This will eleviate any Test low period.

Cortisone isnt Testosterone. I belive they are cortico steroids?

Anabolic steriods stimulate protien synthesis, increase white blood cell count,and create a nitrogen positive balance in the body.

The side effects that are dangerous involve the liver.

Side effects that may not be too negative for the right man in the right situation are increased aggressiveness, massive increase in strength, increased immune system function, faster metabolic recovery of muscle fiber, the developemnt of type 2 B fast twitch muscles.

/B]

Just making sure you weren't implying that anabolic steroids do not decrease sperm counts...and yes, may be temporary but still occurs. In men, anabolic steroid use depresses levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormones(sex hormones in both men and women), which leads to decreased endogenous testosterone production, decreased spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy.

Elevation in liver enzymes is common but more severe complications are rare but can be deadly.

Gynecomastia may result from the peripheral conversion of androgens to estradiol and estrone.

lastly...increased immune function? have not seen that associated with any steroid...will have to look into it.

doc t.

[Hoepoe]

Cortizone injections are indeed a steroid as mentioned before, these are cortico steriods and not anabolic steroids. A steroid is a synthetic hormone thus side effects are always present, even if they differ between types of roids. Cortico steroids as opposed to anabolic, break down muscle tissue, retain water and the injections can cause keloid scarring.

Anabolic steroids, even when used medically can cause cancer later on (the extra hormones, can awake dormant cancer cells) as well as destroy live. kidney and joints. (knew a bodybuilding pro, used to have blackouts all the time...)

Thew bottom line: If you don't HAVE to take steroid treatment, don't.

Where do yuo need the injection? Knees/back?

I had the injections to my knees on a weekly basis 7 years ago for 4 months, no side effects..(but wouldn't do it again.

I had 60mg of coritico steroids daily for this period too, blew up like a water bed, got acne, gout, and generally screwed up..saved my life though.

To answer the original question, i doubt it's connected but i had a sperm count 16 months ago, i was told i have a low sperm count (might have been due to varicascelia) and will have difficulty with kids.

I know have a beautiful baby boy that i had no trouble at all with conception (in fact i rather enjoyed it!!)

Oh, tpical ointment is much milder.

NOTE i am NOT a medical proffesional, so this all might be incorrect

Good luck and feel well

[Gambler]

Hope this information is of some help.

What is cortisone?
It is an adrenocorticoid with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties
An adrenocorticoid is a corticosteroid that is produced by the adrenal gland.
A glucocorticoid is a class of corticosteroids that control carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and has anti-inflammatory activity.
A mineralocorticoid is any corticosteroid that controls electrolyte and water balance, especially by promoting retention of sodium by the kidney tubules.
It is supplied in tablets for oral administration, topical cream, or in a suspension for intra-muscular injection.

For cortisone information
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202018.html

For hydrocortisone information (topical cream)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682793.html

There seems to be some confusion between different types of steroids. Anabolic steroids (taken to promote muscle and bone growth) and corticosteroids (such as cortisone) which are used as anti-inflammatory agents, in replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency, and other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, allergic reactions, etc. A list can be found at http://www.pharmacynetworkgroup.com/i/cortone-indications-dosage.htm. Cortone is a trade name for cortisone-acetate.

Anabolic steroids are typically synthetic androgens, which is a group of several steroids produced primarily by the testes. Taking high doses of anabolic steroids can cause testicular atrophy and infertility.

Corticosteroids are produced by the adrenal gland, and are thus not directly involved in the production of sperm. However, high levels of cortisone in the blood have been shown to decrease the secretion of leuteinizing hormone and consequently cause decreased spermatogenesis, but this process is much rarer than that associated with anabolic steroids and higher doses are required. Also, stopping corticosteroid administration reverses this process. There is no evidence that topical cortisone has any effect on fertility as very little of this drug is absorbed into the circulation.

As an informal rule, the actions of steroids are very complex, and steroid therapy should be avoided if possible. On the other hand, topical steroids, like hydrocortisone cream, are relatively low dose in the non-prescription form and have no serious side-effects.

I apologize if I have broken any rules by participating in this discussion as I am not a special operations soldier, merely a Canadian militia punk. However, I do have a PhD in Pharmacology so I thought I would offer some help. I enjoy the forum and many of the discussions are excellent.

[Dark Helmet]

Originally posted by Gambler
However, I do have a PhD in Pharmacology so I thought I would offer some help. I enjoy the forum and many of the discussions are excellent.

You are absolutely welcome with creds like that! Thanks for the input (to all), and welcome aboard.