What is a common side effect of corticosteroids when used long-term?

Corticosteroids, when used for an extended period, can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, leading to a condition known as Cushing's syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by symptoms resulting from excessive levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that corticosteroids mimic.

Long-term corticosteroid therapy often leads to hyperglycemia, increased fat deposition (especially in the face and abdomen), muscle weakness, and changes in skin appearance, all of which are manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. The adrenal glands respond to therapeutic corticosteroids by reducing their own production of cortisol, which can result in a range of complex hormonal shifts that bring about these side effects.

In contrast, other options such as hypoglycemia, hypotension, and even osteoporosis, while they may be concerns with different medications or situations, are not hallmark side effects attributed specifically to long-term corticosteroid use. For example, corticosteroids typically lead to increased blood sugar levels rather than decreased levels (hypoglycemia). Similarly, corticosteroids can actually cause hypertension rather than hypotension. Although they can contribute to conditions like osteoporosis due to effects on calcium absorption and bone turnover, the most pronounced and characteristic effect associated with long-term use of corticosteroids is indeed Cushing's syndrome.