Some research has studied the use of corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone) to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Interest in using corticosteroids to treat CFS is based on the fact that people with CFS often have low levels of the steroid hormone cortisol (hydrocortisone) in their bodies. Cortisol normally is secreted by the adrenal glands.

Studies have shown that taking low doses of oral hydrocortisone may relieve some symptoms of CFS, but the benefit appears to be fairly small.¹ Also, the effects have been studied only over a short period of time and have not been studied in combination with treatments for other symptoms. Fludrocortisone has been used to treat blood pressure problems (orthostatic hypotension) in some people, but studies suggest that it offers no real benefit when used alone.²

Unless corticosteroids can be shown to have a greater benefit for people with CFS over a longer period of time, the side effects associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy outweigh their use in most cases of CFS. Other medicines for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension are being studied.