My dr put me on the steroid Medrol

for 6 days for my sinus infection.

If I do weights when I start to feel better, am I going to build muscle more easily? She said I wouldn't have an issue, but I thought steroids were steroids.

Just looking for some opinions!

THanks =)

I would think 6 days isn't really going to make a difference.  Not to mention you are taking a glucocorticoid, which is similar to prednisone...it's a cortisone sterioid which is not the kind that helps build muscle, which are anabolic steroids.  

 It's a corticosteroid, not an anabolic steroid. A steroid is a general class of hormones with stereochemistry properties, which basically translates into "cholesterol with some added functional groups".

 Anabolic steroids are generally testosterone or synthetic derivatives that have anabolic or "building" properties in the body, while corticosteroids like Medrol (methylprednisolone) have anti-inflammatory and immunosupressant properties.

 So nope, won't do a thing for muscles, except supress inflammation reactions.
 

No the main steroid that builds muscle is Testosterone or a form of it that helps the body create it.  Yours is more to block inflammation so if you have other stiff joints it might make them feel better but it won't help build muscle.  Also redkitty is right on about them not being a pleasant drug to be on long term my wife has been on a different steroid for long periods of time and has had numerous health issues arise due to them.

Sorry Melkor!  I re-edited my post after my husband explained the difference between the sterioids!  (he is currently taking prednisone)

Thanks guys! I tried to find out online but I couldn't find anything =)

Google your streriod and you will find out what kind it is.  Also google Anabolic Steriods to find out what they are.  Hope you feel better. :)

Please don't worry! I've had to use Pred. (Heavy duty steriod) for months to get my UC under control. While iIdid gain weight, it came right off when I stopped. I did not gain weight until the third or so week and that was because I was so hungry my eating habit ran out of control.

Long term use can cause the opposite affect muscle loss, weakness, weight gain, and some other major side effects.  I have been on long term steriods (prednisone) for a year now and have had many health issues and have developed Cushings Syndrome.  However, a 6 day burst will not have an affect on you.  You may feel hungrier towards the end but just try to keep your appetite in check which is difficult to do at times.  Good luck and hope that the small dose works for your sinus infection.  It does reduce inflammation and will clear your skin up if you have any problems with your skin.

Original Post by biggestloserfan:

Long term use can cause the opposite affect muscle loss, weakness, weight gain, and some other major side effects. I have been on long term steriods (prednisone) for a year now and have had many health issues and have developed Cushings Syndrome. However, a 6 day burst will not have an affect on you. You may feel hungrier towards the end but just try to keep your appetite in check which is difficult to do at times. Good luck and hope that the small dose works for your sinus infection. It does reduce inflammation and will clear your skin up if you have any problems with your skin.

 Sorry to hear about your experience with Prednisone!My doc just put me on it for a severe allergic reaction, so I will only be on it a max of 5 days (if it works..) I appreciate the information that you gave about it, because weight gain is the last thing that I (or anyone else lol) want! 

 

Of course I am posting this as I am eating my son's alphabet cookies so who knows!

Cheers!

Ophelia 

I was on steroids (decadron) for a couple months.   I believe it is a corticosteroi.   Since being off of it I have beenstruggling to lose the weight.   It's coming off though.  I lost about 20 of the 45 lbs I gained.   I do have a lot of muscle weakness after I exercise.  It seems like it is getting better but I guess in time it will.