Table of Contents
Steroids are hormones that are produced by the body on its own. Steroid medications are manufactured to be chemically similar to the hormones produced naturally by the body.
Corticosteroids are the name given to the type of steroids that are used to treat disease.
Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are a group of prescription medications that have been used to treat a variety of conditions and are also prescribed off-label to enhance muscle size, endurance, and strength.
Steroids, just like any other strong medication, can have side effects, and these side effects will vary depending on the type of steroid, the dose taken, and other physiological factors. For this article, we will get into the different effects of steroids on the body.
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are naturally occurring steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal gland that regulate a number of body processes including metabolism, development and immune function. Commonly used as an anti-inflammatory medication, they have been implicated in the suppression of natural killer cell activity and reduced antibody production in individuals with autoimmune conditions, and in the exacerbation of inflammatory diseases.
Corticosteroids are used to treat many conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and psoriasis.
They work by binding to the body’s glucocorticoid receptors, which are found in almost every organ of the body. Corticosteroids also help to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and are available as a cream or ointment and as pills that can be taken once a day.
Examples of Oral and Injectable Corticosteroids
Oral or injectable corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that may be given to treat an inflammation such as a rash or swelling. Oral and injectable corticosteroids also have a positive effect on healing a wound, reducing pain, and improving muscle strength. Injectable corticosteroids are given by injection into a vein and can take up to 10 minutes to work. The best way to receive an injection is by your healthcare provider, but you can learn how to give yourself injections at home.
Below are some of the most common types of corticosteroids.
Cortisone: Cortisone, the man-made version of cortisol, is used to relieve pain and inflammation in the body and may be used with a topical (skin) form or by injection. It reduces inflammation and swelling of muscles, joints, and connective tissue. It can be prescribed for patients who do not respond to other treatments.
Prednisone: The name prednisone comes from the Latin word meaning “before night,” so it’s often used before the sun goes down, or before a long night of sleep, to keep the body from getting too worked up. It’s a type of corticosteroid that belongs to a family of medications called glucocorticoids. These are drugs that reduce inflammation in the body. People use them to treat conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Dexamethasone: Dexamethasone, also known as dexamethasone sodium phosphate, is a corticosteroid, or steroid hormone, that reduces inflammation and swelling. Dexamethasone is used to treat certain conditions, including cancer, arthritis, asthma, and bronchitis. It can also be used to help ease symptoms of other conditions, such as allergies. This medication is available in the form of tablets for oral use.
What Are The Side Effects of Steroids?
If you take steroid drugs for more than three weeks at a time, you can have trouble sleeping, muscle weakness, diarrhea, appetite loss, and weight gain. Some people feel anxious or have trouble concentrating. In more serious cases, you may have low blood pressure, or an infection. These medications also may increase blood glucose levels. This increases the risk for diabetes mellitus.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroid refers to a group of substances with similar physical properties and uses. The group includes a variety of naturally occurring hormones and their synthetic derivatives. Many types of anabolic steroids can be purchased in health food stores and online. Apart from testosterone, the most common ones are:
Deca-Durabolin: Deca Durabolin is a compound that is the combination of two naturally occurring androgens: testosterone and DHT. It is a popular anabolic steroid because it has a shorter half-life than Trenbolone. It is also the first androgen to have been tested as an oral drug in humans. It was approved by the FDA on January 23, 1972, by Dr. Robert Mathur and it’s also known as Testosterone propionate decanoate, TPd, or TPDA.
Nandrolone: Nandrolone is one of many anabolic steroids. It’s a form of testosterone that’s used by athletes to boost their muscle mass and strength. The use of nandrolone is restricted to veterinary medicine, so no human studies have been done to determine its long-term effects on humans. However, in veterinary medicine, veterinarians prescribe it to dogs suffering from kidney failure and also to cows with mastitis.
Dianabol: Dianabol is a powerful steroid that has been used in the past to treat people suffering from severe cases of anemia and hypogonadism (underactive testicles). Today, most athletes use it to maintain their energy and boost their workouts without the side effects of steroids such as liver damage, acne, mood swings, and other symptoms that occur with other performance-enhancing drugs.
How Do People Use Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are often used by athletes who want to improve their performance by using them for a period of time, and in some cases these athletes will use more than one type of steroid together to maximize its effects. This practice is called stacking. These drugs are dangerous and can damage your brain and body if used too long or in too high a dose, and they also have the potential for abuse or addiction.
Anabolic steroid users typically take these substances for several weeks at a time to improve their physique and appearance. The most popular anabolic steroid used for this purpose is testosterone.
What Are the Common Side Effects?
Some steroids may cause side effects including an increase in blood pressure, mood changes, hair loss, acne, and water retention. Some steroids may increase the risk of prostate or testicular cancer.
The most serious side effect of using anabolic steroids is liver damage. People who use anabolic steroids can have problems with the way the liver works and with the normal liver function. For this reason, they need to be careful about how much they take and about what other substances they use. Also, they may need more frequent medical examinations and blood tests.
Of course, not all anabolic steroids are created equal, and they also do not have the same effect on everyone in the same way. It is possible to find over 100 different varieties of the drug, each with its own set of characteristics, effects, and side effects. It’s generally known in the bodybuilding community that the worst side effects of anabolic steroids can be completely avoided by sticking to safe doses.
Bottomline
Anabolic steroids are a popular drug among athletes and bodybuilders. They are commonly used to help people build muscle and strength, and they also help people improve their appearance. These steroids are very powerful and can cause serious side effects if they are taken in the wrong doses or for too long. It is important to know that anabolic steroids can be very addictive, and that they can also cause a number of health problems, including liver damage.
It is also important to know that not all anabolic steroids are created equal. Some have the potential to cause serious side effects, while others have no negative side effects. The anabolic steroid that is right for you will depend on your health, your personal goals, and the risks that you are willing to take.
Bodybuilding is a very popular sport, and it’s a great way to help you build muscle and look good. Many people also use anabolic steroids to improve their appearance. However, if you want to use steroids, it is important to know that they are dangerous and can cause serious side effects. The key to using these drugs is to stick to safe doses and to use them only for a short period of time.
