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Steroid use is typically associated with patients who need steroid medicines to cope with their illnesses and athletes who want to boost their performance. Yet not everyone is aware of steroid side effects as well as the legal status of steroids which makes people assume they are completely safe and easy to obtain whenever you want to get in shape or treat chronic health conditions.
In this guide we will explore the pros and cons of using steroids, learn more about the most common types of steroids you may encounter, and find out if it is possible to minimize the adverse effects of steroids.
What Are Steroids and Why Are They Used
Steroids refer to chemicals that are created artificially and are meant to resemble the hormones produced naturally by a human body. These artificial hormones are widely used to reduce swelling and inflammation as long as they are administered correctly. They positively affect the immune system of the individual so that the person can fight viruses and infections.
Note that despite all the positive properties of steroids, they are often misused by people whose only mission is to work on their physique and see how steroids can help them accomplish their goals in the gym or on the pitch. Pay attention to what you are prescribed and try to stay away from steroids whose only purpose is to enhance your physical fitness – the side effects of their use are rarely worth it.
Common Types of Steroids and Their Uses
There are two main types of steroids – anabolics (also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids) and corticosteroids:
- Anabolics are artificially created imitations of testosterone. While doctors are permitted to prescribe them to people whose bodies do not produce enough testosterone as well as utilize them in the treatment of AIDS or cancer, anabolics have gained notoriety because of how they are used to boost muscles and performance – there are endless controversies associated with this category of steroids.
- Corticosteroids refer to medications that reduce inflammation – they affect your immune system and prevent inflammation from causing further damage to your body. Physicians prescribe them to patients diagnosed with asthma, eczema, autoimmune disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis – the conditions that cause swelling and irritation as well as allergic reactions.
Corticosteroids are also put into different categories based on the method of administration:
| Type of Steroids | Description |
| Oral Steroids | These steroids are able to reduce inflammation in the patient’s whole body – tablets and liquids can be very helpful for people with gout and lupus |
| Nasal Steroids | Medications of this kind are effective for the treatment of nasal polyps and sinusitis |
| Topical Steroids | Creams, lotions, and gels deal with the skin inflammation – this is a popular choice for patients diagnosed with psoriasis |
| Rectal Steroids | These corticosteroids are typically prescribed to people who have ulcerative colitis characterized by digestive tract inflammation |
| Injectable Steroids | They are injected into a muscle or joint to fight the inflammation in a specific area which helps people with arthritis and autoimmune disorders |
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Steroid Use
While using steroids can be very beneficial for some people, there are steroid risks every person must know before they start taking them:
| Adverse Effect | Description |
| Fluid Retention | There is often a buildup of fluid in the person’s body which leads to swelling in the face, feet, and hands |
| Sleep Disturbances | Steroids may cause various sleep issues depending on the type you are using and the longevity of your treatment – insomnia is a widespread problem, and your sleep quality will decrease in general |
| Indigestion | Steroids can upset your stomach especially if your diet is not healthy enough or you are mixing prescribed steroids with other medications |
| Mood Fluctuations | Mood swings are more likely when the individual already has certain manifestations of anxiety or depression that affect their emotional regulation but any person may have to cope with increased tension and irritability for no apparent reason when the duration of use is long |
| Weight Gain | Steroids will alter your metabolism and change the way your body stores fat – this often results in an appetite increase, and if you are not careful enough, you may gain extra pounds against your will |
| Acne | In addition to acne on the person’s face, shoulders, and back, the skin may suffer in other ways – for instance, many individuals have noted they bruise more easily when they keep taking steroids to deal with the symptoms of asthma |
| Erectile Dysfunction | Illicit steroids are often associated with sexual dysfunction in the male population – a male patient who is taking steroids to build muscle mass or to improve their athletic performance may have to deal with temporary impotence |
How to Safely Incorporate Steroids Into Your Routine
If your physician has approved steroids to help you lessen or fully eliminate the manifestations of a particular condition, all you have to do is follow their directions and report any suspicious symptoms that cause physical or psychological discomfort. The situation is much trickier when you are using steroids to prevent muscle breakdown or succeed in a specific sport – not only is it illegal for professional athletes to rely on performance-enhancing drugs, it is also hard to say how your body will react to anabolics without the thorough evaluation and approval of a medical professional.
Note that due to the generally illegal status of steroids, it is difficult to be completely certain about steroid safety whether you are taking a steroid pill or receiving an injection – no matter what your current goals are, obtaining steroids from a dealer or a personal trainer is a risky activity, and you need to be very mindful of your health when you make a decision like that.
Legal Considerations and Regulations Surrounding Steroid Use
Steroids are listed on Schedule III alongside depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens – according to the Controlled Substances Act, the possession and distribution of steroids is considered a federal crime, and you may even face prison time as a punishment. Still, certain anabolic steroids are used to treat humans and animals – licensed physicians and veterinarians can prescribe them if it is necessary. For instance, corticosteroid medications such as cortisone and prednisone have been used to alleviate the symptoms of patients with asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
Learn More About Steroids at Pacific Coast Mental Health
Whether you are worried about the potential steroid risks for your health or you have already struggled with tapering down the dosage, talking to a mental health professional and assessing the possible consequences of steroid use for your health and life is a smart solution. At Pacific Coast Mental Health we offer guidance to people who want to deal with the psychological side effects they have been facing – reach out to us today and let us guide you to physical and mental wellness.
FAQs
What are the potential health effects of steroid consumption on the body?
Steroid health effects vary from person to person – you may have to deal with acne and oily skin, occasional swelling caused by the retention of fluid, sleep disturbances, irregular periods, increased likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, and major depressive disorder.
How do oral steroids differ in safety compared to injectable ones?
Although it takes time to practice safer injecting, injectable steroids are generally a safer option than oral ones. Despite the ease of administration, oral steroids may cause further damage to the individual’s health – the side effects include but are not limited to diabetes and osteoporosis.
What are the common side effects associated with steroid misuse?
While steroids affect the physical health of the individual, not everyone knows how much your psyche will suffer as a result of too many corticosteroids or anabolics in your system. A person who is misusing steroids can exhibit aggressive behavior, their mood fluctuates from one moment to another, they feel suspicious and paranoid, there are the symptoms of mania, and in the most serious cases, delusions and hallucinations will wreak havoc on their emotional well-being.
What risks are involved with regular steroid consumption?
Using steroids too often or going against the instructions given to you by your physician is very risky. Once again, the consequences look different depending on your health status in general and other medications you may be taking but multiple individuals all over the world struggle with stomach pain, balding, erectile dysfunction, severe acne, blood clots, and kidney failure so it is crucial to weigh down all the pros and cons of steroid use before you do it.
How can one identify signs of steroid toxicity in the body?
While only a doctor can tell you with all certainty whether you have steroid toxicity or not, you need to be aware of the symptoms to be able to seek help – be particularly attentive to your health if your skin is itching or burning, you are extremely agitated to the point of feeling psychotic, your blood pressure is abnormally high, your muscles are weak, and there are convulsions and twitches you cannot control.
