What is Hormone Belly and How Does It Occur?
Hormone belly primarily refers to a side effect caused by the use of hormones. We are aware that hormonal medications often carry significant side effects. These drugs can lead to metabolic disorders, resulting in an enlarged abdomen, facial enlargement, and overall weight gain. Hormone belly is considered a sequelae issue arising from medical treatment. In the following sections, we will briefly explore the causes of hormone belly and how to alleviate its symptoms.
Hormone belly often occurs after taking prednisone or similar medications. The side effects of these hormones can cause abdominal distension and leg edema. Currently, there are no specific methods to completely eliminate these side effects. However, symptomatic treatment with appropriate medications, avoiding excessive salt intake, and engaging in aerobic exercises can help manage the condition.
1. Metabolic Disorders: Prolonged use of hormonal medications can lead to various metabolic disorders. These include obesity, fatigue, edema, hypertension, and diabetes. While these symptoms may resolve gradually after discontinuing the medication, severe cases may require additional treatment such as antihypertensive or hypoglycemic agents.
2. Susceptibility to Infection: Corticosteroids can reduce the body's ability to fight infections, thereby weakening its antiviral defenses and promoting bacterial growth and spread. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to rapid bacterial proliferation. Therefore, it is crucial to administer anti-infective therapy promptly if signs of infection or disease progression are observed.
3. Neurological Symptoms: Prolonged use of hormonal medications can induce insomnia, excitability, and even psychiatric conditions like epilepsy. Therefore, individuals with a predisposition to mental illness or epilepsy should exercise caution when using these drugs.
4. Digestive Ulcers: Glucocorticoids can interfere with tissue repair and healing, increase gastric acid and pepsin secretion, and reduce gastric mucus production. These effects weaken the gastric mucosa's resistance, predisposing individuals to various ulcers and even gastrointestinal perforation.
