Theoretical Steroid Curve Plotter

May 2018 Update:

We are currently working on migrating the theoretical steroid curve plotter to a more stable server. During this time, I regret to inform y'all that the tool has been taken down.

Gone are the days where doctors are suggesting just twice daily dosing of hydrocortisone to achieve that "normal" life with Adrenal Insufficiency. We're smarter now. We've learned that cortisol levels vary throughout the day, following the circadian rhythm. We've learned the benefit of splitting up our dosage and combining different types of steroids to give us more even coverage over 24 hours.

But there wasn't an easy way to visualize this theoretical steroid curve.

Until now.

(Are you using the cortisol pumpThis version of the tool is much easier.)



How to Use This Tool

This tool was designed in Google Chrome, and therefore runs best in Google Chrome. Additionally, if you are having problems on your mobile device, please switch to a computer. If you notice a problem, send me a message on my facebook page. We'll work to fix it.

For Google Chrome, please input the time in the format of HH:MM AM/PM. For all other browsers, please use military time. Confused about military time? For anything in the PM, add 12 to the number. 8:00 PM + 12 becomes 20:00. For anything in the AM, the time remains the same. You do not need to label AM or PM.

Limitations of This Tool

This tool plots the theoretical cortisol curve based off of mathematical formulas for each steroid. It is assumed that the value in the blood stream increases in a linear fashion until the medicine "kicks in." It will then exponentially decay according to the biological half life. All values are given in terms of equivalent hydrocortisone. The following properties were used:

Steroid Type
"Kick In"
Biological Half Life
HC Equivalent
Hydrocortisone
30 minutes
1.5 hours
1 mg
Prednisone
2 hour
4 hours
4 mg
Dexamethasone
4 hours
36 hours
26.67 mg

Please note that these are theoretical values. Each individual absorbs and clears medicine at different rates and absorption is effected by many different factors. Additionally, your body does not absorb all of the medicine that you take. Dusty over at Addison's Support Advocacy has an excellent blog post explaining more about this. This tool does not currently take into account the systematic availability of hydrocortisone.

You will also note that there is no scale on the y-axis. This tool is designed to only provide a rough idea of a curve and not actual numerical data.

Also realize that blood work does not provide an accurate representation for oral steroid replacements. Please consult with your doctor and base your individual steroid treatment off of your symptoms and what works best for you. We are all incredibly different. This is definitely not a one-size-fits-all disease.

The purpose of this tool is to start conversations that can perhaps improve your quality of life. We don't have to live miserably with Adrenal Insufficiency. We can be Clearly Alive.

Shout Outs and Thank You's

This project has been over two years in the making and I definitely did not complete this by myself. I have some awesome engineering friends who were willing to use their technical knowledge so that my dream could be turned into a reality. Thank you M. Galland, J. Pawula, W. Toth, and A. Vera.

Medical Disclaimer

All content found on this website, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.

By using the Tool, you acknowledge and agree to and accept these Terms of Service, including all policies and terms linked to or otherwise referenced herein.

Reliance on any information provided by this website and this tool is solely at your own risk.

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