[Medical Q&A] If I have myasthenia gravis and I am worried about the side effects of hormones, should I not use hormones?

Author: Guo Yanli, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

Reviewer: Deng Wenjing, Chief Physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

Patients with myasthenia gravis should not refuse to use hormones because of concerns about the side effects of hormones. Instead, they should use hormones reasonably under the guidance of doctors and actively cooperate with other treatment measures to maximize the treatment effect and quality of life.

First of all, hormones are one of the effective drugs for treating myasthenia gravis. They can suppress the immune response and reduce the immune system's attack on the neuromuscular junction, thereby relieving symptoms such as muscle fatigue and weakness. For many patients with myasthenia gravis, hormone therapy can significantly improve the quality of life and may even help patients restore certain muscle function in some cases.

However, hormone therapy does have some potential side effects. These side effects may include malnutrition, increased risk of infection, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, difficulty controlling blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Long-term use of hormones may also lead to weight loss, muscle atrophy and other problems, further affecting the patient's physical health.

Although hormone therapy has side effects, it does not mean that it cannot be used. The doctor will develop an appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's specific situation and weigh the pros and cons. During hormone therapy, the doctor will closely monitor the patient's condition and drug side effects, and adjust the drug dosage or take other measures to reduce side effects as needed.

In addition, patients can also reduce the side effects of hormones in some ways. For example, maintain a good lifestyle, including a proper diet, moderate exercise and adequate sleep; avoid excessive fatigue and mood swings; and have regular follow-up examinations and checkups to detect and deal with potential health problems in a timely manner.