Steroids!!!

It has been for some time that the use of steroids has been potrayed in a negative light. It's the cheat drug for the cheating athletes, it's banned in all major (and minor) sports events and competitions. It's said to cause many health problem, and it's much abused by both patients and doctors. It has been rumoured to be poison/toxic even.

What on earth are steroids?

Steroids are actually a large group of organic compounds, and the steroids that we commonly refer to are the steroid hormones -- anabolic steroids, sex hormones and corticosteroid.

So no, steroids are not poison/toxic or any of that sort! Myth busted!

Truly, steroids are the essential hormones that our own body produces.

Without steroids, we won't grow, our salt level cannot be controlled, glucose not controlled, there won't be sexual characteristics, there won't even be babies in the first place, and we may not even be alive.

What are the uses of steroids as medicine?

(Different steroid provides different functions. These are the listed in this way for better understanding)

1. Immunosuppression -- to suppress our immune responses, for treating diseases like:

  - Allergies

  - Asthma

  - Autoimmune diseases (such as SLE)

  - Before or after certain procedures

2. Antiinflammatory effect -- to decrease inflammation

3. Physical and sexual development

4. Glucose control, salt level control etc.

Mostly, for number 1 and 2.

And the side effect?

Increase body weight! 😆

For short term use it's generally fine. Side effects normally arises after long term use. Like increased body weight, round face, hump back, prone to infections, weak bones, glucose and salt level problem etc.

One important thing to mention is: do not start or stop your steroids without doctor's advice.

A sudden stop after a long term oral glucocorticoid use (a sudden drop in steroid level) may cause life threatening condition! (Addisonian Crisis)

A sudden stop of steroid use in asthmatic patient may cause its exacerbation.

What I would advise is this: trust your doctor(s) in its use. If you think that specific doctor cannot be trusted, please approach another doctor for second opinion.

Submitting to unprofessional advices may bring harm. There are many people giving groundless advices, based on their own imagination and untrained thoughts, to sound as if they know. Those acts are irresponsible and may bring harm. Don't fall victim to that.

Do talk to your friendly doctors or healthcare professionals if in any doubt.