Steroids

26 de enero de 2021

4 min de lectura

Steroids are natural chemicals made by the human body. The term usually elicits images of body builders injecting themselves with hormones to increase their muscle gains. While that is one use (rather, abuse) of steroids, there are several others, some which are medically helpful. This article provides an overview of the uses, benefits, and risks of steroids.

The natural and unnatural functions of steroids

Steroids are naturally occurring hormones that circulate throughout the body. They must be present in the appropriate amounts, at the correct time, and in the proper location of the body to exert their intended effects. They are responsible for controlling a wide range of biologic activities, including:

growth of babies and children,
development of female and male sex characteristics,
regulation of the immune response,
managing the stress response,
regulating metabolism and hunger,
balancing blood electrolytes,
supporting pregnancy, and
moderating behavior.

These most well-known natural hormones include testosterone, estrogen, and glucocorticoids (i.e., cortisol).

Scientists have learned how to use synthetic versions of these natural hormones to treat medical conditions. Like many medications, people have learned how to abuse these medications, which can be dangerous.

Types of synthetic steroid medications

Corticosteroids

The human adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol, which prevents the immune system from overreacting and causing too much inflammation. Synthetic medicines called corticosteroids mimic this natural function of cortisol. Examples of corticosteroids include cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone.

Corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of conditions that result from excess inflammation in one or more places of the body. These include asthma, Crohn’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), eczema, lupus, multiple sclerosis, skin rashes, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and some kinds of cancer. Depending on the use, these medications can be taken a low or high dose; orally, by injection, by inhaler, by nasal spray, or topically (applied directly to the skin); and for long-term or short-term use.

The side effect a person may experience depends on how long the medication is taken and the dose level. Short-term side effects can cause acne, changes in blood pressure and blood sugar, difficulty sleeping, a puffy face, nausea, mood changes, skin thinning, excess bodily hair growth, and weight gain. Long-term side effects, particularly when taking high doses of steroids, include slowed growth in children, osteoporosis (weak bones), muscle weakness, increased risk of diabetes, development of cataracts, and adrenal insufficiency (a life-threatening condition in which the body loses its natural ability to regulate glucocorticoids). In addition, because corticosteroids function by inhibiting the immune system, people are more likely to get infections when they are taking them.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring male sex hormone, testosterone. “Anabolic” refers to muscle building. They are taken by mouth or by injection into muscle. Doctors prescribe anabolic steroids to treat conditions where the body is not producing enough of this hormone on its own. This includes boys who have not started puberty when expected, adult men with low testosterone, and males and females who have lost muscle mass due to another medical condition.

Like many medications, it is possible abuse them in order to exploit the benefits. Athletes find that performance is enhanced, and muscle gains are increased. These abusers of testosterone typically take much higher doses – sometimes as much as 100 times the prescribed dose. While this is able to substantially help athletic performance, it comes with a price. The side effects can be severe.

Short-term, immediate side effects can include:

paranoid or delusional behavior,
extreme irritability and aggressive behavior (“road rage”), and
poor judgement.

Long-term side effects are even more dangerous and can lead to serious health problems:

kidney damage or failure,
liver damage or cancer,
enlarged heart,
high blood pressure,
increased risk of stroke or blood clots,
shrunken testicles and decreased sperm count,
baldness and thinning hair,
growth excessive facial or body hair (females),
changes in breast size (increases for men and decreases for women),
changes to the menstrual cycle, and
deepened voice.

Teenagers are particularly at risk for stunted growth, which may not be reversible.

Overall, the use of steroids can be positive and offer many health benefits. However, overuse and abuse can be dangerous. Any steroid medication should only be taken when prescribed and monitored by a physician. If you have abused anabolic steroids, a physician should be consulted to help you stop taking it, as the doses need to be safely tapered down to avoid harsh and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. People should not feel embarrassed to talk their physician if they are addicted to anabolic steroids, because the physician will want to help them safely overcome the addiction.

Sources

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En esta página

The natural and unnatural functions of steroids

Types of synthetic steroid medications

Corticosteroids

Anabolic Steroids

Sources

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