Arthritis Treatment How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice Facebook Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 25, 2022 Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH LinkedIn Anita Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and currently works as a rheumatologist at Hartford Healthcare Medical Group in Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Overview Anabolic Steroids Corticosteroids Benefits and Risks Frequently Asked Questions Corticosteroids refer to a class of drugs used to treat inflammatory arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Because they are commonly referred to as “steroids,” people often believe them to be the same thing as anabolic steroids, which are used to boost strength and physical performance. However, while they share some molecular properties, the two are quite different. 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. Corticosteroid Drugs for Inflammation 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. If used for longer periods, corticosteroid drugs must be gradually tapered off to allow the adrenal gland to gradually take over its normal function. Stopping too quickly can result in withdrawal symptoms and a potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis. 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. Frequently Asked Questions Are corticosteroids steroids? Yes and no. Scientifically speaking, a steroid is a compound made up of four fused rings of 17 carbon atoms. Corticosteroids are, by definition, steroids.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. What is a corticosteroid? A corticosteroid is a steroid hormone similar in structure and function to cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroid drugs are synthetic medications that match the molecular structure of cortisol. Corticosteroids are available over the counter or by prescription as oral medications, topical preparations, and nasal sprays. What medications are corticosteroids? Corticosteroids can be delivered in different ways. Most commonly, they come in oral, inhaled, and topical formulations.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%) What are corticosteroids used to treat? Corticosteroids have three main therapeutic uses: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and vasoconstrictive. 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. 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Rasheed A, Qasim M. A review of natural steroids and their applications. Int J Pharm Sci Res. 2013;4(2):520-531. Cesari M, Incalzi RA, Zamboni V, Pahor M. Vitamin D hormone: a multitude of actions potentially influencing the physical function decline in older persons. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2011;11(2):133-142. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0594.2010.00668.x Sultan A. 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PLOS ONE. 2014;9(9):e105330. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105330 By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit