This often results in weight gain and facial swelling, making moon face a common symptom. Corticosteroids are used for various conditions, but moon face is commonly linked to long-term use. Amongst its many roles, cortisol regulates insulin levels and balances fluid and salt. Moon face can arise from several causes, with long-term use of corticosteroids being among the most common. 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. Long-term steroid use can affect your adrenal glands, causing them to release a high amount of hormones like cortisol, a stress hormone. Corticosteroids like prednisone are one of the most common causes of moon face. But since it changes how you look, it can affect your self-esteem and take a toll on your mental health. The buildup of fat deposits in the side of your skull can make your face so round that you can’t see your ears from the front. Although harmless, the condition can affect your self-esteem. If your appearance is bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options or ways you can reduce the puffiness. If it’s bothering you, reach out to your healthcare provider. If you’re taking a corticosteroid like prednisone, your healthcare provider will be able to tell that that’s the cause of moon face. Over time, this hormonal imbalance can cause weight gain and water retention. Nutrients like zinc and vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system while you’re on prednisone. While moon face often improves as you taper off prednisone, you don’t have to just wait and hope. Moon face is temporary, and there are steps you can take to feel more like yourself again. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. It’s hard to feel confident when I don’t even recognize myself." In one of my surveys, many Prednisone Warriors shared similar feelings. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can help you lose weight everywhere, including your face. If hypothyroidism causes moon face, your doctor may prescribe medications like levothyroxine to replace missing thyroid hormones. If you've been taking corticosteroids for a long time at a high dose, you may need to lower the dose very slowly every week or every few weeks. 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. 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.