Do steroids make you pee more? (+3 factors)

In this article, we will explore whether steroids can make you pee more or not, why steroids make you pee more, what factors cause steroids to make you pee more, what to do if steroids make you pee more and what are the different types of steroids. 

Do steroids make you pee more?

Yes, steroids particularly corticosteroids can make you pee more. Anabolic steroids are not found to have this effect. This is not a permanent effect of steroids and not every person taking steroids experiences this effect. Steroids can affect the fluid balance and electrolytes in the body making you pee more.

Steroids can be of various types and thus are used for different purposes. Some of these steroids are used for their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. They are usually prescribed for conditions such as asthma, arthritis and certain skin conditions (1).  

If you are taking any of the steroids for your medical condition and you experience increased urination then you need to consult your healthcare provider. They can help you manage your condition if it becomes bothersome. 

Why do steroids make you pee more?

Not all types of steroids make you pee more. Anabolic steroids are used by individuals to build their muscles. They are known to retain fluid in the body causing decreased urination (2). However, anabolic steroids can cause high blood pressure which may lead to increased urination (3).   

According to a research study conducted in 2015, Corticosteroids particularly prednisone was studied for its effects on the process of diuresis. It was evidently concluded that lower doses of corticosteroids are more commonly associated with diuresis as compared to the higher doses (4). 

Another study in 2016, determined the diuretic effect caused by dexamethasone. It was observed that steroids induce a potent diuretic effect that makes you pee more after taking them (5). Another research concluded the effect of glucocorticoid, another type of steroid on the process of diuresis and natriuresis in patients (6).

All these researches showed the effect of steroids on the regulation of sodium and water in the body. It is achieved through their effects on the kidney. 

What factors cause steroids to make you pee more?

Here are a few factors that can make you pee more while taking steroids.

• Increased or higher doses of steroids are associated with increased diuretic effects on the patients. If you are taking a high dose of steroids then you are more likely to experience increased diuresis.

• Underlying health conditions can also add to the effects of steroids. However, in some cases, steroids might not be the cause of increased urination. You might be experiencing this effect due to some underlying kidney condition.

• Drug-drug interaction may also be a factor relating steroids to increased urination. If you are taking any other medication concurrent with your steroidal treatment, then there is an increased risk of interaction that may cause increased urination. 

• Individual sensitivity or variations can cause the diuretic effect of steroids to vary among individuals. The variations may be attributed to genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age, gender and some environmental factors. 

What to do if steroids make you pee more?

If you are taking steroids for any of your medical conditions and you experience increased urination then you need to consult your healthcare provider as this can be a sign of some other underlying medical condition that can be severe. 

Your doctor will have to perform certain tests to determine your kidney function to ascertain whether steroids are the cause of it or not. If steroids are found to be the cause of increased urination then your doctor will have to make the necessary changes in your treatment plan. Lowering the dose of your medication is the first step. 

If lowering the dose does not treat your condition then your doctor may have to switch your steroidal drug with a better alternative.

What are the different types of steroids?

Steroids are a vast category that encompasses a list of medications and drugs. The possible steroids that can be used as a drug include the following:

In my experience

In my experience, steroids are available in a wide variety. Different types of steroids have different actions on the body. Out of all, corticosteroids are more commonly associated with increased urination. Corticosteroids are used for medication purposes as they have a strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory action. 

If you experience increased urination after taking any of the steroids then it is wise to consult your healthcare provider. They can analyze your condition and the severity of the side effects to tailor your treatment plan according to your needs to ensure a safe and effective treatment strategy.

References