why someone will use cortisone, when In the body, cortisone is converted back into cortisol to become active.

The reason for using cortisone (a synthetic version) in medical treatments, despite it being converted back into cortisol in the body, has to do with how these substances are administered and how they act in the body. Here are some important factors:

1. More Controlled Dosing:

• Cortisone can be administered in specific doses to provide the anti-inflammatory effects needed without overstimulating other functions of cortisol, such as metabolism or blood sugar regulation. This precision allows healthcare providers to treat conditions effectively without causing unnecessary side effects linked to excess cortisol production.

2. Local Administration:

• Cortisone is often administered locally (e.g., as an injection into a joint or as a cream for skin conditions). This allows the anti-inflammatory effects to be targeted to a specific area of the body without affecting cortisol levels throughout the entire system.
• This is particularly useful in treating arthritis, tendonitis, or localized inflammatory conditions where only a small area needs relief.

3. Delayed Activation:

• Cortisone itself is an inactive precursor that becomes active when converted into cortisol in the body. This allows the medication to act as a “prodrug,” meaning it can be given in a form that the body can process as needed, helping to avoid over-activation all at once.
• Cortisone injection or oral cortisone allows the body to convert the drug into cortisol gradually, reducing potential side effects associated with higher levels of active cortisol in the bloodstream.

4. Reduced Side Effects:

• Using cortisone allows doctors to reduce the risk of side effects compared to directly giving active cortisol (which could lead to systemic issues like increased blood pressure, glucose imbalance, or muscle weakness). The controlled conversion to cortisol makes cortisone a more manageable and safer option in medical treatments.

5. Availability and Cost:

• Cortisone is relatively cheap and stable for storage and administration compared to cortisol, which can be less practical for widespread medical use in its active form.

In summary, cortisone is preferred because it allows for controlled, targeted, and efficient treatment, reducing inflammation in specific areas without disrupting the overall hormonal balance of the body.