Like any drug, prednisone may cause side effects in some people. Prednisone causes similar side effects in males and females, but a few of its side effects may only occur in (or are more common in) females.
Note: In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. To learn more about this topic, see this article comparing sex and gender.
Experts expect the side effects of prednisone to be the same regardless of someone’s sex.
Some examples of side effects reported in studies of prednisone include:
- muscle weakness
- bloating
- edema (swelling due to excess fluid)
- sweating
- thin skin
- anxiety
- mood changes, including irritability
- high blood pressure
- stomach irritation
For a more in-depth look at the drug’s side effects, see this prednisone side effects article.
Besides the side effects already mentioned, females taking prednisone may experience changes to their menstrual cycle. For example, you may miss periods, or your periods may become irregular or more painful.
If you experience changes to your menstrual cycle that are bothersome, talk with your doctor.
Prednisone may also cause osteoporosis, especially with long-term use. This condition can occur in anyone, but it’s more common in females than males. If you are a female and your doctor has prescribed prednisone, discuss with them about your risk of osteoporosis.
In general, the side effects of prednisone are the same in both females and males. But, females may notice some changes to their menstrual cycle during their prednisone treatment. They may also have a higher risk of osteoporosis while taking prednisone.
If you have concerns about any side effects during your prednisone treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.