Steroids are substances produced by the body that control various immune system and development processes. There are two main types of steroids: corticosteroid and anabolic. Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that control inflammation, while anabolic steroid hormones are primarily responsible for the development of body tissue. If a person does not produce adequate amounts of the hormones naturally or if the hormones are not functioning correctly, it can result in a variety of conditions in which synthetic versions of the steroids may be used as treatment. Certain synthetic steroids may be illegal in areas throughout the world, but there are a wide range of legally prescribed steroids.
Corticosteroids tend to be one of the more commonly prescribed steroids and are generally available as tablets to be taken orally, as topical ointments, or as solutions to be injected. These types of steroids are typically used in the treatment of conditions in which excessive inflammation causes symptoms, and are thought to work by preventing the body from releasing cortisone, a substance responsible for inflammation. Conditions caused by inflammation may include the skin conditions eczema and psoriasis, that result in extremely red and dry itchy patches of skin. Other conditions that may be treated with corticosteroids include arthritis, which is characterized by joint pain and stiffness caused by inflammation, and inflammatory bowel disease, in which the bowels become inflamed and cause severe pain during digestion.
Anabolic steroids are usually the less commonly prescribed steroids due to their potential for abuse and risk of serious side effects. This type of steroid may be used in the instance of conditions, such as cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), that can cause a person’s body tissue to deteriorate. If used in people with healthy body mass, anabolic steroids often result in rapid weight and muscle gain, and are often abused by physically healthy people wishing to quickly increase their size or strength, such as professional athletes.
Prescribed steroids may cause a range of side effects, ranging from mild to life-threatening; therefore, they are generally not recommended for long-term use. The side effects of long-term corticosteroids include rash, increased blood pressure, loss of calcium in the bones, and thinning of the skin that can lead to easy bruising. Anabolic steroid side effects tend to be the most serious and can include hair loss, increased feelings of aggression, violent behavior, liver damage, increased blood pressure, increased levels of cholesterol, and heart failure.
