How effective steroids are?
If you are still living with the misconception that steroids cause serious damage to your health then you need to change your thinking. Gone are those days. Now, doctors are using different steroids to treat many serious diseases such as arthritis, IBD, kidney failure, cancer treatments, and many more. Along with this, there are lots of athletes and bodybuilders who are using steroids for building mass, muscle growth, and to cut fat. Steroids are highly effective in today’s scenario which can be proved through the below information.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are referred to as synthetic drugs that are prepared by humans in the lab. This acts similar to the natural hormones which help to reduce inflammation. Majorly there are two types of steroids, one is corticosteroids and the other is anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are generally used to treat serious diseases while anabolic steroids are used by people to gain mass and for other purposes.
There are also some steroids that can not cure your problem completely but are helpful in reducing severe symptoms such as swelling, joints-pain, stiffness, etc.
Uses of Steroids
Steroids can be used in various ways such as orally, in the form of injection, gel, or cream.
Steroids that are taken by mouth – These steroids are available in the form of tablets, liquid, and are referred to as oral steroids. It helps in reducing inflammation in the body. Oral Steroids are generally used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and autoimmune conditions. Your doctor may prescribe any one of the oral steroids, some common names under this category are – Prednisolone and dexamethasone.
Steroids that are taken by Injection – These steroids are applied to joint muscles, blood, or spinal area. People usually call such steroids, injectable steroids and are helpful in reducing the inflammation in an area where the injection is applied. These are used for treating severe conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and other autoimmune conditions. Some of the common injection steroids are hydrocortisone and triamcinolone.
Steroids that are available in the form of eye drops or ointments – This helps to reduce inflammation in the eyes and other affected areas. Generally, eye drop steroids are used for treating Uveitis. Prednisolone is the common type of steroid that is available in the form of eye drops.
Steroids that are applied in the form of ointments – Usually the steroids which can be applied on the skin in different forms such as gel, ointment, and cream are known as topical steroids. It helps to reduce inflammation on the skin. Topical steroids are helpful to treat the conditions of psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. Clobetasol, hydrocortisone, and betamethasone are the most used topical steroids.
Anabolic Steroids – Anabolic steroids are prescribed by doctors in rare cases such as hormonal problems in men, muscle loss, increase in fat, and in delayed puberty. Anabolic steroids are also prepared in the lab and are synthetic versions of testosterone which is prepared in the human body. In lack of testosterone level, anabolic steroids are prescribed.