Will Use Of A Lot Of Steroids Make Leg Bones Weaker? Am Old Skier With No History Of Bone Weakness

Posted on Tue, 11 Oct 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 Answered on

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I am an older aggressive skier (72) with no history of bone weakness. As I have gotten older I have had to take a lot of steriods for various brochitis and other illnesses. Will the use of these steriods make me more likely to have weaker bones especially in the leg.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (26 minutes later)

Hello and thanks for the query.

Regarding your question, chronic use of steroids can lead to weakening of the bones but this is mainly in patients who take steroids on a daily basis or for weeks at a time. If you were treated in the past with pulse doses of steroids for short term illnesses then I dont think you need to worry much at all.

Along the same lines you could request a bone density test by your doctor. This will give you a good idea of what your density is. In your case i would be surprised if you had osteopenia or osteoporosis given your active lifestyle and exercise regimen.

Thanks again for the query. I hope this has been helpful. Please let me know if I be of any additional assistance.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T