A healthcare provider can discuss treatment options and identify any serious concerns. If you've tried lifestyle changes at home and it's not improving, it's time to see a healthcare provider. It's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis of what's causing moon face. Extra fat and water retention can dramatically change your face, making it feel unfamiliar. However, the good news is that it’s often reversible once prednisone is tapered or discontinued. According to research published in La Revue de médecine interne, 60% of patients on prednisone develop moon face within 12 months of starting treatment. Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid that mimics your body’s natural hormone, cortisol. If treatment is effective, all of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including moon face, will eventually disappear. If moon face is bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider. The dosage needs to be gradually reduced (tapered) under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The effects stem from the fact that corticosteroids act like cortisol, a stress hormone that the body produces naturally. Dr. Megan Milne, PharmD, BCACP, is an award-winning clinical pharmacist board certified in the types of conditions people take prednisone for. With Nutranize Zone, you can support your body, replenish lost nutrients, and minimize the impact of prednisone side effects. I feel like a normal person again, I have energy to play with my daughter, and I don’t feel like I am in a fog all the time!!! One survey I conducted revealed that 53% of people taking prednisone found moon face to be one of the most bothersome side effects. I can sleep, I don’t feel so moody, and I am not EXHAUSTED all the time! My moon face has started to go down, and I finally feel like I have some control over my body again." Adding berberine to your routine can be a game-changer for reducing moon face and managing prednisone-related weight changes. Prednisone weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to recover from its side effects. I remember looking in the mirror and feeling like a stranger was staring back at me. It’s easy to tell someone to "just ride it out," but that doesn’t help when you’re feeling self-conscious or frustrated. To understand moon face, it helps to know how prednisone works. For many, it’s not just a cosmetic concern—it’s a daily reminder of the challenges of taking this life-saving, but side-effect-heavy, medication. Cleveland Clinic’s primary care providers offer lifelong medical candy96.fun care. If you need to continue with your current treatment, consider joining a support group so you can connect with others in your shoes. It wasn’t just about the swelling—it was about feeling like I’d lost control over my body. When I was on prednisone, I dealt with moon face and the emotional weight that came with it. Some people notice improvement quickly, while others may continue to see lingering effects for months. Research shows that for most people, moon face starts to improve as the prednisone dose is tapered to below 7 mg/day. The answer depends on several factors, including your prednisone dosage, how long you’ve been taking it, and how your body responds. If you stop all at once, your body may not have enough cortisol. Corticosteroids and Cushing's syndrome, for example, can have these effects. Any weight gain can make your face look rounder, especially when combined with fluid retention. Over time, this weight gain may give the face a rounder, puffier appearance. It can also occur after you've had radiation treatment or because you had your thyroid gland removed. When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. They may be able to offer alternative treatment options. If you have moon face, you may feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Not everyone who takes corticosteroids gets moon face. Moon face can be difficult to predict, so it’s hard to prevent.
