How Steroids Work: Benefits for Medical Conditions

Steroids are synthetic or man-made drugs that mimic the properties of natural hormones produced in the body. The steroids that are abused are anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). These produce effects similar to the effects of the male hormone, testosterone. People use AAS to build muscle or increase strength.

These types of steroids can be injected into the muscle or swallowed by mouth. There is a great difference in the use and effect of both AAS and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are prescribed for medical use in the treatment of conditions such as asthma. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of the cortisol hormone produced in our body and do not have the effects of building muscle or increasing performance levels.

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Thus steroids have many legitimate medical uses. However, men and women who take steroids to gain muscle mass do so illegally. People who use steroids usually experience a rapid increase in muscle strength.

This increased ability to lift heavier weights leads to faster muscle growth - which means people can work out more often and for longer periods of time due to their muscles recovering faster. Steroid drugs can be taken in several different forms, which are as follows -

• As pills, syrups and liquids, such as prednisolone.
• As inhalers and nasal sprays, such as beclometasone and fluticasone.
• Injections (given into joints, muscles or blood vessels), such as methylprednisolone.
• As creams, lotions and gels, such as hydrocortisone.
• Most steroids are available only on prescription from a doctor, but some, such as certain creams or nasal sprays, can be purchased from medical stores and cosmetic shops.
• Some slang terms used for anabolic steroids include 'roids', 'gear' and 'juice'.

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The drugs commonly known as "steroids" are classified as corticosteroids or anabolic (or anabolic-androgenic) steroids.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, such as cortisone, are medicines that doctors use to help control inflammation. Corticosteroids are a great treatment for reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways of the lungs. They also help other quick-relief medicines work better. These steroids are similar to the hormones that your adrenal glands make naturally in the body to fight stress associated with illness and injury. Normally the adrenal glands release cortisol into the bloodstream every morning. Your brain monitors this amount and regulates adrenal function but the brain cannot distinguish between its natural cortisone and steroid medications.

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So, when a person takes high doses of steroids for a long time, the brain may reduce or stop cortisol production. This is called adrenal suppression. Healthcare providers usually reduce steroid doses slowly to allow the adrenal gland to heal and resume producing cortisol at normal levels. If you have been on steroids for a long time do not stop them suddenly. Follow your doctor's prescription. You may need to take corticosteroids to treat the following conditions:

• Arthritis 
• Asthma 
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis
• Skin problems such as eczema and rashes 
• Some types of cancer

Steroids are very strong medicines and can cause a number of side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Because of this, you'll usually take them for as short a time as possible.

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Anabolic Steroids

• Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that can increase the body's ability to produce muscle and prevent muscle breakdown.
• Some athletes take steroids in the hope that they will gain the ability to run faster, hit farther, lift heavier weights, jump higher, or have greater endurance. In India, it is against the law to use anabolic steroids without a prescription.
• Androstenedione, or "andro," is a type of anabolic steroid. It is taken by athletes who want to build muscle. It is now a controlled substance because of suspected health risks and is only available by prescription. There is no evidence that it has any significant anabolic effects.
• Steroid use for sports is completely illegal in India and some steroid drugs that are banned are also illegal. Since it is not legally correct for athletic purposes, there is no legal control over the quality or use of drugs sold for this purpose.
• Illegal steroids are obtained through the Internet and through informal dealers like other illegal drugs. However, they can also be available through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors and veterinarians.
• Sometimes "designer" steroids are produced to enable athletes to pass doping tests. Their composition and use are completely unregulated, so they put your life at risk.
• Athletes often consume steroids on a "trial and error basis" using information obtained from other athletes, coaches, websites or gym "gurus". As a result, they do not have access to good medical information and support that can keep them safe while using these drugs. You should never consume any such product.

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How corticosteroids work
They are similar to cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body. Cortisol is one of the body's own natural steroids. Cortisol is essential for life and staying healthy. During times of stress, our bodies produce extra cortisol to protect us from getting very sick.

When taken in doses higher than the amount your body normally produces, steroids reduce redness and inflammation. This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema.

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Steroids also reduce the activity of the body's natural immune system against illness and infection. This can help treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body.

How anabolic steroids work
They work by mimicking the properties of naturally occurring hormones. They have a similar chemical structure to testosterone and are therefore able to activate testosterone receptors. Once the receptors are stimulated, metabolic reactions have a far-reaching effect as the drug instructs the body to increase the production of muscle tissue.

Anabolic steroids are usually taken for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. This is followed by a break of similar length to stop muscle cells from growing over a longer period of time. This is known as “cycling”.

Different anabolic steroids are often combined in a process known as “stacking”. This is done to increase muscle mass, make them fat-free and to get a better muscle tone (known as “cutting”).

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Steroids have various benefits if they are used correctly and in the right dose. Here are some benefits of both types of steroids.

Benefits of Corticosteroids -

• Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and affect the immune system. 
• Steroids can help treat inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema.
• It may help treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• People often have concerns about taking corticosteroid ("steroid") medication. Please discuss concerns about steroid use with your health care provider.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and herbal supplements you are currently taking to make sure they do not interact with the steroids you are taking. It is very important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking steroids.

Benefits of Anabolic Steroids
The following effects are claimed by people who use AAS:

• Increase in lean muscle mass and strength.
• Increase in appetite, energy, and motivation. 
• According to them, the person taking them also reportedly has an increase in self-confidence.

AAS drugs affect people in different ways and with different levels of intensity. However, adverse effects are greatly increased with long-term use of the drugs. In such a situation, the harms outweigh the benefits.

When people take multiple AAS drugs simultaneously, i.e. "stacking", the risks and harms associated with its use increase. AAS are not usually prescribed as a treatment.

Side effects of corticosteroids

The unwanted side effects of corticosteroids depend on both its dose and the duration of treatment. If steroids are taken for a short time or in low doses, there are not many side effects.

But sometimes they can cause minor side effects, such as increased appetite, mood swings and difficulty sleeping. These are the most common effects with steroid pills.

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Side effects will usually disappear once you finish treatment, but do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. As this can cause some other side effects (withdrawal symptoms).

Side effects of anabolic steroid (AAS) use depend on the product, the age and sex of the user, how much use is made and for how long.

Anabolic steroids, when taken in the normal legally prescribed doses, can cause the following side effects:

• Acne may occur. 
• Fluid retention may occur. 
• Pain or discomfort may occur while urinating. 
• Enlargement of male breasts, known as gynecomastia.
• An excessive increase in the number of red blood cells may occur.
• Lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and increase in levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. 
• There may be a sudden increase in hair growth or hair loss.
• A decrease in sperm count and infertility may also occur.
• There may be changes in libido.

Non-medical use of anabolic steroids may involve doses 10 to 100 times higher than the amount used for therapeutic purposes. Incorrect use of steroids can increase the risk of the following problems -

• Cardiovascular problems
• Sudden cardiac death (sudden cardiac death can occur if not treated on time) and heart attack (myocardial infarction) 
• Liver problems and other types of damage, including tumors
• Tendon rupture due to the breakdown of collagen
• Osteoporosis and bone damage, as steroid use affects the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D. 
• Taking it by teenagers can permanently stunt their growth.
• In men, its use can cause problems like shrinkage of testicles, infertility, enlarged breasts, etc.
• In women - changes in menstrual cycle, voice changes, increase in length of clitoris, increase in facial and body hair, shrinkage of breasts, increase in sex drive, etc. Some of these changes may persist forever even after stopping the use of the drug. 
• Some of its other risks are - liver damage, increased feelings of aggression and hostility, mood and anxiety disorders, poor behavior, psychological dependence and addiction, etc.
• People who suddenly stop AAS after using them for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms, including feeling sick and severe depression.

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There are two types of steroid medications: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation, allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and skin diseases. Anabolic steroids are mainly used to strengthen muscles and increase hormones related to testosterone.

The benefits of steroids include rapid reduction of inflammation, improved physical strength, and relief from disease symptoms. They can be lifesaving in the treatment of serious illnesses.

However, they can also have serious side effects. Long-term use can cause weight gain, weakened bones, high blood pressure, increased susceptibility to infections, hormonal imbalances, and mood swings. Abuse of anabolic steroids can cause liver damage, heart problems, and mental health problems. These should not be used without doctor's advice.