Overview
The word “steroid” is a broad-ranging term used to describe any compound with a specific molecular structure—in this case, composed of four fused rings of 17 carbon atoms. The function of steroids is to either maintain the integrity of a cell’s membrane or activate a receptor on a cell’s surface to regulate how it behaves.
There are many different types of steroids found in nature, broadly classified as:
Sex steroids, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone Corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids (such as cortisol), which regulate the immune function, and mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone), which regulate electrolyte balance Secosteroids (such as vitamin D), which help regulate numerous biological functions Neurosteroids (such as DHEA), which aid in the synthesis of male and female hormones Sterols, also known as steroid alcohols, a subgroup of steroids. The most common type of animal sterol is cholesterol, which helps maintain cell membrane integrity.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of natural male sex hormones (androgens). They are used to promote the growth of skeletal muscle (the anabolic effect) and the development of male sexual characteristics (the androgenic effect).
Anabolic steroids are available by prescription and are used to treat conditions that result in abnormally low testosterone levels (hypogonadism). The causes may include undescended testicles, testicle injury, pituitary disorders, obesity, and advanced HIV infection.
Because of their anabolic effect, the drugs are often abused by athletes or persons wanting to improve their physical appearance. The majority of people who misuse steroids are male weight lifters in their 20s or 30s. Steroid misuse is much less common in women.
The long-term abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health consequences, including:
Severe acneDevelopment of breasts in men (gynecomastia)Facial and body hair growth in women (hirsutism)Stunted growth in youthHigh blood pressureDramatic mood changes (“roid rages”)Manic behaviorShrinkage of testiclesMale pattern baldness in both sexesIrregular menstruationInfertilityIncreased risk of blood clotsYellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)Liver tumors or cancerKidney problems or kidney failure
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids refer to either naturally occurring compounds produced by the adrenal cortex or synthetic versions that mirror their molecular structure. Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory responses.
These drugs can be delivered orally, nasally, topically, or by injection to treat such health conditions as allergies, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), and blood disorders (such as lymphoma and leukemia).
Corticosteroid drugs commonly prescribed in the United States include:
BetamethasoneBudesonideCortisoneDexamethasoneHydrocortisoneMethylprednisolonePrednisolonePrednisoneTriamcinolone
These drugs are available under various brand names and formulations.
Benefits and Risks
Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that can quickly reduce inflammation while enhancing recovery. With that being said, the overuse of the drugs can cause serious and sometimes contradictory side effects, including:
Weight gainAcneMuscle weaknessThinning of the skinTendon ruptureHypertensionWorsening of diabetesOsteoporosisCataractsIncreased susceptibility to infectionStomach irritationDepression
To maximize benefits, corticosteroids are prescribed in the lowest possible dose over the shortest period of time to achieve the best possible outcome.
A Word From Verywell
If your treatment plan involves the use of corticosteroid drugs, always weigh the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider. Depending on your health status, other options may deliver the same relief with far less risk.
In the end, it is often best to reserve corticosteroids for later use, when the need for the drugs may be far greater.
However, colloquially, the term steroid often refers to anabolic steroids, which athletes and bodybuilders use to boost strength and physical performance. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Oral corticosteroids include:
Celestone (betamethasone)Cortef (hydrocortisone)CortisoneDecadron (dexamethasone)PrednisonePrednisoloneMedrol (methylprednisolone)
Inhaled corticosteroids include:
Aerobid (flunisolide)Alvesco (ciclesonide)Asmanex (mometasone)Flovent (fluticasone)Pulmicort (budesonide)Qvar (beclometasone)
Topical corticosteroids include:
Aclovate (alclometasone 0. 05%)Cordran (flurandrenolide 0. 05%)Cutivate (fluticasone 0. 05%)Dermovate (clobetasol 0. 05%)Diprolene (betamethasone 0. 25%)Elocon (mometasone 0. 1%)Hydrocortisone 1%Kenolog (triamcinonone 0. 5%)Tridesilon (desonide 0. 05%)
As an anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids block the production of inflammation-triggering prostaglandins. This relieves redness, swelling, and pain.
As an immunosuppressive, corticosteroids suppress the immune system and commonly treat autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids impair the production of T-cells.
As a vasoconstrictive, corticosteroids block the inflammatory compound histidine. This reduces mucus secretions that cause respiratory congestion.
