Arthritis Treatment How Anabolic Steroids and Corticosteroids Differ By 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 Carol Eustice Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD on March 16, 2020 twitter linkedin Mary Choy, PharmD, is board-certified in geriatric pharmacotherapy. She currently serves as the director of pharmacy practice of the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists. Learn about our Medical Review Board Mary Choy, PharmD on March 16, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Overview Anabolic Steroids Corticosteroids Benefits and Risks 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 (comprised of four fused rings of 17 carbon atoms). The function of steroids is to either maintain the integrity of a cell's membrane or to 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 testosteroneCorticosteroids, including glucocorticoids (such as cortisol), which regulates the immune function, and mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone), which regulates electrolyte balanceSecosteroids such as vitamin D, which helps regulate numerous biological functionsNeurosteroids, such as DHEA, which aid in the synthesis of male and female hormonesSterols, 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 twenties or thirties. 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. The 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). The corticosteroid drugs commonly prescribed in the U.S. include: BetamethasoneBudesonideCortisoneDexamethasoneHydrocortisoneMethylprednisolonePrednisolonePrednisoneTriamcinolone The 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 doctor. Depending on your health status, there may be other options that can 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article 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 and Qasim Md: 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. 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