Human beings produce hormones naturally in their bodies, mostly by adrenal glands (two small glands around kidneys). When there is any kind of infection in our bodies, the immune system reacts to it, producing extra fluids to combat the infection or bacteria.
Due to this, we can get inflammation, redness, and heat in the area affected by the infection. Steroids are used as man-made substitutes for hormones to reduce the inflammation caused by any disease, cuts, or bruises. Steroids do not cure the condition, but when they are taken in higher doses (more than what our bodies can produce), they effectively ease the symptoms and reduce inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.
Steroids used for fighting infection symptoms are called corticosteroids and are not the same as anabolic steroids, which most athletes and bodybuilders use. Athletes use anabolic steroids for better stamina, building muscles, enhancing performance, and prolonging endurance. Though these types of steroids can give you desired results quickly, they come with a plethora of side effects.
Side Effects of Steroids
Many people misuse and abuse steroids which can result in mild to life-threatening side effects. Most of these side effects are reversible and go away if you stop taking them. But there are some effects which could be semi-permanent or permanent.
- Steroids affect the cardiovascular system and may result in high blood pressure, blood clots, artery damage, etc.
- They also impact the liver, and one can develop tumors or peliosis hepatitis due to overuse of steroids.
- In men, steroids can cause decreased sperm production, testicular cancer, enlarged breasts, etc.
- If an adolescent takes steroids, it could stop their growth and give them a short stature.
- In women, steroids can deepen their voices, give excessive hair growth, develop male-like baldness, decrease breast size, etc.
- Steroids also affect the kidney.
- Steroids can cause the weakening of bones and result in a condition called osteoporosis. One could fracture their bones even by a minor fall if suffering from osteoporosis.
- Many anabolic steroids are addictive, and people get physically and psychologically dependent on these drugs. They continue using it even after the steroids start showing adverse effects.
Ways in which you can reduce the effects of steroids
Steroids can be a necessity for people with a medical condition. Sometimes it is not possible to stop steroids at once. Hence one must consult their doctor and understand how to minimize the adverse effects. Some steroids can increase your appetite, while some can reduce it. Therefore, it is wise to watch your weight and make sensible food choices. Few other means of managing the side effects of steroids are:
- Lower or intermittent dosing – There are some new forms of steroids that come in different strengths. Their length of action is also varied. You could check with your doctor to try low-dose or dosage every other day. Your body can function better if the doses are not every day. The day you do not take steroids, your pituitary and hypothalamus glands get a chance of natural stimulation.
- Your doctor might ask you to get enough calcium in your diet and prescribe drugs like bisphosphonates or give you supplements like calcium and vitamin D.
- A regular exercise regime, especially those that strengthen your bones (like walking), can reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- Consult your doctor to see if you could use non-oral steroids. If you inhale steroids for asthma, it directly reaches your lungs, and the rest of your body is not exposed to it. This could give relief from some of the side effects in the long run.
- Switch to drugs that have steroid-like results but are not steroids. For example, people buy Clen for burning fat as it increases their metabolic rate. Clen or Clenbuterol is a drug that has steroid-like effects and is used for relieving breathing problems in asthmatic patients. Clen comes with its side effects, but many female athletes prefer this over steroids since it has less androgenic (increase in facial hair, deepening of voice) side effects.
With continued use of oral steroids, the adrenal glands produce less of their natural hormones. If you wish to discontinue the therapy, you must get your doctor’s opinion on how to taper it since a sudden and huge reduction in dosage could leave you tired, light-headed, and give you body aches.
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