Corticosteroids vs Steroids
- Dr. Matthew Holmes
- Sep 26, 2018
- 1 min read
Corticosteroids vs Steroids
There is always a level of uncertainty for people when discerning the differences between corticosteroids and steroids. Often one is confused for being the other. Corticosteroids are a drug used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Anabolic steroids are used to boost physical performance and strength. These two drugs are different and should not be mistaken as the same.
Anabolic Steroids
A steroid is a term used to describe a compound with a certain molecular makeup. Steroids maintain the integrity of a cell’s membrane or activate a receptor on a cell’s surface. Anabolic steroids are synthetic variation of male sex hormones. They are used to promote the growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics. These drugs are usually used by sports athletes in bodybuilding and powerlifting. In addition to that, they are used by athletes in the more common contact sports although it is illegal.
Steroids can also have serious side effects like:
Severe acne
Gynecomastia (male breast)
Facial and body hair growth in women (hirsutism)
Hypertension
Mood changes
Manic behavior
Testicle shrinkage
Male pattern baldness
Irregular menstruation
Infertility
Jaundice
Liver tumor
Stunted growth
Corticosteroids
Usually occur naturally being produced by the adrenal cortex. They act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory responses. Can also treat allergies, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune disorders blood disorders, and prostate cancer. It is usually prescribed as Betamethasone, Budesonide, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, methyl prednisone and prednisolone.
Corticosteroid side effects include:
Weight gain
Acne
Muscle weakness
Thinning of skin
Redistribution of fat
Tendon rupture
Hypertension
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Cataracts
Increased susceptibility to infection
Stomach ulcers
Depression
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