Long-Term Topical Steroid Use: Risks & Symptoms

Question
I have been using Fluticasone Propionate Cream, .05% on my face at least twice a day for the past 10 years.  It was first given to me for a slight rash on my face and believing it was good for me I have been able to get refills over the years with no problem.  I have been having a list of symptoms from headaches, weight gain, arrhythmia, irregular periods, fatigue, the list goes on.  The doctor I went to see seemed to be shocked when I mentioned my steroid cream and promptly sent me to a dermatologist.  She seemed to be a little shocked as well.  She is now taking me off the steroid and after researching this I am wondering if my "face lotion" has been absorbed as a steroid and causing my problems.  Is this really possible?

Answer
you probably aren't getting enough internal steroids to cause whole body symptoms but it will thin the skin slowly. if you are just putting a pea sized amount on the face, I doubt if you are absorbing enough to really matter internally but it will cause local problems in the face.