corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.They're different from the anabolic steroids used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve their performance.
Types of steroids
Steroids come in many different forms.The main types are:tablets, syrups and liquids: such as prednisolone inhalers and nasal sprays: such as beclomethasone and fluticasone injections: (given into joints, muscles or blood vessels) such as methylprednisolone creams, lotions and gels: such as hydrocortisone Most steroids are only available on prescription, but a few (such as some creams or nasal sprays) can be bought from pharmacies and shops.
Side effects of steroids
Steroids don't tend to cause significant side effects if they're taken for a short time or at a low dose.But sometimes they can cause unpleasant side effects, such as an increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping. This is most common with steroid tablets.The side effects will usually pass once you finish the treatment, but don't stop taking your medicine without speaking to your doctor. This can cause further unpleasant side effects (withdrawal symptoms)asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)hay fever hives and eczema painful joints or muscles such Types of steroid pain caused by an irritated or trapped nerve such as sciatica inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease lupus multiple sclerosis (MS)
How steroids work
Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands found above the kidneys.When taken in doses higher than the amount your body normally produces, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema.Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system, the body's natural defence against illness and infection.This can help treat autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body.
Anabolic steroid misuse
Anabolic steroids are prescription only medicines that are sometimes taken without medical advice to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.If used in this way, they can cause serious side effects and addiction.Anabolic steroids are manufactured drugs that mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone.
Are anabolic steroids illegal?
Anabolic steroids are class C drugs, which can only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription.It's legal to have anabolic steroids for personal use. They can also be imported or exported, as long as this is carried out in person. This means they can't be posted or delivered by a courier or freight service.However, it's illegal to possess, import or export anabolic steroids if it's believed you're supplying or selling them. This includes giving them to friends. The penalty is an unlimited fine, or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.In professional sport, most organisations ban anabolic steroid use and test competitors for banned steroids.
Why people misuse anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids can be used as performance enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects. Some athletes, weightlifters and bodybuilders take them regularly to improve their physical performance and build up their bodies.However, people of all ages have been known to misuse these drugs, Some people believe taking anabolic steroids will help them become fit and healthy. This isn't true: taking anabolic steroids is a dangerous drug habit.
How anabolic steroids are taken
Anabolic steroids are usually injected into the muscle or taken by mouth as tablets, but they also come as creams or gels that are applied to the skin.Many people who use anabolic steroids are aware of the dangers of taking them, and believe that by taking the drugs in certain ways they can avoid side effects.Users might:Take the drugs for a period of time and then stop for a rest period before starting again. This is known as "cycling".Taking more than 1 type of anabolic steroid at a time, known as "stacking" which they believe makes them work better.Do a combination of both stacking and cycling known as "pyramiding" where they start off taking a low dose of 1 or more anabolic steroids, and then increase the dose over time up to a maximum dose. They then stop taking them for a rest period to give the body a break before starting the cycle again.But there is no evidence that any of these methods actually reduce side effects from taking anabolic steroids.Users tend to exercise more when they're taking high doses to make the most of their improved performance during this time.
Side effects of anabolic steroids
Regularly taking anabolic steroids can lead to physical and psychological changes in both men and women, as well as potentially dangerous medical conditions.
Physical effects
Effects of anabolic steroids in men can include:reduced sperm countinfertilityshrunken testicleserectile dysfunctionbaldnessbreast developmentincreased risk of prostate cancer severe acne stomach pain In women, anabolic steroids can cause:facial hair growth and body hairloss of breastsswelling of the clitorisa deepened voicean increased sex driveproblems with periods hair loss severe acne In addition, both men and women who take anabolic steroids can develop any of the following medical conditions:heart attack or stroke liver or kidney problems or failure high blood pressure (hypertension)blood clots fluid retention high cholesterol
Psychological effects
Misusing anabolic steroids can also cause the following psychological or emotional effects:aggressive behaviour mood swings paranoia manic behaviour hallucinations and delusions
Stunted growth in adolescents
Anabolic steroids accelerate bone growth, so if they're misused by adolescents who haven't yet had the growth spurt associated with puberty, the drugs can cause premature ageing of the bones and restricted growth.
Sharing needles
As anabolic steroids are often injected, there are risks associated with sharing needles. These are the same risks associated with recreational drug use, and include:damage to veins, leading to ulcers or gangrene hepatitis B infection hepatitis C infection HIV transmission
Addiction
Like many other substances, anabolic steroids are addictive. This means you can crave the drug, require more to get the same effect, and have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking them.A person who is addicted to anabolic steroids will want to keep using them despite experiencing unpleasant physical side effects.When doctors prescribe steroid medication, they always advise coming off the medication slowly by gradually reducing the dose. Coming off anabolic steroids suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms that include:depression and apathy feelings of anxiety difficulty concentrating insomnia anorexia decreased sex drive extreme tiredness (fatigue)headaches muscle and joint pain
Getting help
You should see your GP if you think you're addicted to anabolic steroids. Treatment for an addiction to anabolic steroids will be similar to that of other types of addiction.Your GP may refer you to a specially trained drugs counsellor. They'll discuss your addiction with you, how to safely stop taking steroids, and any obstacles you may face when trying to stop, plus strategies for dealing with those obstacles.
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