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Steroids (or steroids) are the common name for a group of drugs similar to corticosteroids, hormones that occur naturally in the human body. Steroids are used in the treatment of a number of diseases, but due to possible side effects, they must be dosed reasonably and under the close supervision of a specialist. Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are sometimes used as doping in sports, to help burn fat, build muscle mass and increase strength. Taking them is associated with the risk of health complications and behavioral changes.
What are steroids?
Steroid drugs (steroids) are anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of diseases such as, for example, asthma, vasculitis systems, myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus erythematosus, severe allergies and many other diseases in the endocrine system, blood or skeletal. Steroids are drugs that are only given in special cases as they cause many side effects.
The drug shows high therapeutic effectiveness in people suffering from lupus erythematosus, who may develop renal failure. Steroids reduce inflammation such as pneumonia, which often causes bronchospasm and breathlessness in the patient. Therapy with the use of steroid drugs can even prevent the need for dialysis and transplantation.
Also check: Steroids and acne
The use of steroid drugs
There are two groups of steroid drugs – mineralocorticosteroids and glucocorticosteroids. The first of them are used in the treatment of hypertension, while the drugs of the second group are used to regulate the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. This makes it possible to heal, among others, inflammatory bowel diseases, dermatitis and eczema, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, muscle tissue, lupus.
Steroids are used both as contraceptives and drugs to help you become pregnant – they can be given to make up for the shortage of needed hormones. In addition, anabolic steroids support the growth of muscle tissue and facilitate weight reduction – in sports, however, they are treated as doping agents.
Steroids – Side Effects
The risk of side effects during steroid therapy is high – it depends on the dose and type of steroids taken and how long the patient has been taking the drug. For this reason, doctors prescribe steroids when the benefits of taking them outweigh the harmful effects. However, all therapy must take place under the watchful eye of a doctor.
There have been reports of undesirable effects in patients taking steroid drugs. These include, for example,
- emotional disorders,
- problems with sleeping,
- weight gain due to a significant increase in appetite.
- excessive hair,
- stomach problems,
- osteoporosis,
- acne,
- hypertension.
- stretch marks appearing around the thighs, buttocks and breasts.
- late puberty and slower (children) growth.
Find out more: Steroids have an impact on mental health
Anabolic steroids – what is it?
Steroids is a broad term as it can refer to both the corticosteroid-based drugs discussed earlier and anabolic steroids, commonly referred to as anabolic or steroid. Anabolic steroids are derivatives of testosterone, more specifically its synthetic copies. They can be taken by injection, inhaled or orally – but each of these methods is equally harmful.
Anabolic steroids have a quick effect. The person using them is “inflated”, only to a certain point – when he does not give the body a dose of the steroid, the appearance of the body deteriorates significantly and muscle strength decreases. Along with the use of anabolics, the body gets more and more used to them and after some time it requires more and more doses – the preparation is addictive.
Side effects of using anabolic steroids
Taking anabolic drugs harms both women and men. Gentlemen, although they initially have a greater sex drive, after a while they begin to have gynecomastia, less sperm and less natural testosterone – this leads to shrinkage of the testicles and sometimes to infertility. Women taking anabolics have a lower voice (sometimes permanently), irregular periods, skin changes, alopecia and an enlarged clitoris.
Men who take anabolics have thick stubble on their chests and backs, but they do not grow hair on their heads. Other side effects are painful cramps and swelling, caused by excess water in the body. On the other hand, adolescents who receive such “treatments” may grow more slowly as long bones begin to disappear prematurely as a result of the use of anabolic steroids at a young age.
It is also worth paying attention to the influence of anabolics on the psyche. People who use them are more aggressive and irritable, although they may sometimes have euphoric outbursts. On the other hand, taking anabolics may result in depression and a suicide attempt. The person under the influence of the preparation has mood swings, often incomprehensible to the environment. These types of symptoms can be avoided by using higher doses of anabolics, but in the end it will lead to addiction.
Anabolic steroids and sport
The use of anabolic agents is illegal. They are often used by bodybuilders and athletes as well as athletes practicing various strength sports in which high muscle endurance counts. However, they can be taken by amateur athletes, exercising exclusively for themselves, because they are not controlled by anyone. Anabolics are sold as vitamin kits or supplements, often registered as dietary supplements – but legal does not mean safe.
Read also: What is happening in gyms? Steroids destroy Polish men
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