The Licit Uses of Steroids for Medication

Steroids are compounds that occur naturally in the body and function like hormones. Specifically, they are a group of biochemical substances the body produces from cholesterol - the reason why steroids are termed as such. As defined in the Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, cholesterol is "a steroid alcohol C27H45OH that is present in animal cells and body fluids..." Hence, cholesterol is itself a steroid.

All of us have steroids circulating in our blood all the time. The female sex hormones estrogens (example, estradiol) and the male sex hormones androgens (example, testosterone) are steroids. Produced naturally by the body, steroids help in regulating the functions of the heart, muscles, kidneys, and lungs. When an injury occurs, the body produces hydrocortisone - a steroid that fights inflammation. Also, the levels in the blood of this naturally-occurring steroid may become elevated in response to psychological or physical stress.

It isn't surprising therefore that steroids are manufactured synthetically for medicinal purposes. In the manufacture of synthetic steroids, certain modifications are made to enhance specific properties and lessen side effects. There are two ways by which steroids, as medication, are administered. One is locally: as topical steroids in ointments and creams applied on the skin surface, as medication for the eyes applied in drops, and as injection into a joint. The other is internally: as systemic medication given orally or by injection.

Many anti-inflammatory medications have synthetic steroids as their active ingredients. In the treatment of severe cases of inflammation, for example, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids. This medication is likewise effective in repressing allergic reactions and in fending off asthma attacks. Likewise, prednisone (a common corticosteroid), as well as the other similar drugs - including prednisolone, cortisone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone - may be prescribed to treat certain conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, inflamed joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, lupus, chronic hepatitis, and even Crohn's disease.

Oral corticosteroid medications, used only for a short period of time, often bring positive results. Its long-term use, however, may result to some serious side effects, including diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcers. Other problems that may crop up as a result of prolonged use of synthetic steroids include bruising, thinning of the skin (atrophy), cataract, and mood swings.

In the treatment of such skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis, doctors may prescribe topical steroids. As an example, topical hydrocortisone creams, which are about the only over-the-counter steroid medications, can be effective in relieving itching and inflammation. When used in conformity with a doctor's directions, topical steroids rarely cause side effects. However, long-term use over wide areas of skin can cause excessive absorption that may lead to such problems as stretch marks, altered pigmentation, and dilated blood vessels.

Through all these, it is important to understand why doctors exercise due diligence when prescribing steroid medications, or other medications for that matter; they are circumspect when giving schedule and dosage directions. Also note that gradual withdrawal is required as far as steroid medications are concerned. This is to give the adrenal glands that produce steroids the chance to start functioning normally on their own.