Steroids are a broad group of compounds, but in everyday conversation the word usually refers to two very different medicines: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system, while anabolic steroids are synthetic substances related to oral steroids and are sometimes misused to build muscle or improve performance.
What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are common prescription medicines used for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory problems. Medicines like prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone work by reducing swelling, redness, and immune activity. They can be very effective when used correctly under medical supervision.
These medicines are not the same as the steroids people often talk about in bodybuilding. Corticosteroids treat disease; they are not designed to increase muscle size or athletic performance. When used for too long or in high doses, they can also cause serious side effects, including steroid-related Cushing syndrome.
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids are man-made versions of testosterone. They are sometimes used medically in limited situations, but they are much more widely known because of misuse in bodybuilding, sports, and appearance enhancement. NIDA describes them as appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs that are often used to build muscle and strength.
People misuse anabolic steroids because they may temporarily increase muscle mass, strength, and recovery. However, those short-term changes come with important trade-offs, and the health risks can become severe, long-lasting, and in some cases irreversible.
Why do people use steroids?
In medicine, steroids may be used to reduce inflammation, control immune reactions, or replace hormones when the body does not make enough on its own. Outside medicine, some people misuse anabolic steroids in an attempt to look more muscular, cut body fat, or improve athletic output. FDA and NIDA both warn that products marketed for bodybuilding or performance enhancement can be unsafe and may contain unapproved steroid-like substances.
Health risks of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroid misuse can damage many parts of the body. Reported risks include severe acne, hair loss, mood changes, irritability, aggression, depression, sexual dysfunction, and testicular shrinkage. Mayo Clinic and FDA also note serious effects such as tendon injury, liver damage, altered cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
The cardiovascular risks are especially concerning. NIDA reports that anabolic steroids can contribute to early heart attacks, strokes, and fat deposits in blood vessels, while also harming the liver and kidneys. These effects may be more dangerous with long-term or high-dose use.
Steroid misuse can also affect fertility and hormone balance. Mayo Clinic notes that anabolic steroids can shrink the testicles and contribute to infertility, while testosterone-related treatment can also change blood lipids, blood pressure, and red blood cell counts.
Injections, infections, and unsafe products
Some anabolic steroids are injected, and injection use can add extra risks if needles are shared or used unsafely. NIDA notes an increased risk of serious infections such as HIV and hepatitis when anabolic steroids are injected.
A separate concern is that many online bodybuilding products are not what they claim to be. FDA has warned that some products marketed as muscle-builders or performance enhancers may contain unapproved steroid-like substances or SARMs, which are not FDA approved and may pose serious health risks.
Can steroids be stopped safely?
Anabolic steroids can be hard to stop for some people because misuse may become a pattern tied to body image, performance pressure, or psychological dependence. The safest approach is to avoid non-medical use and speak with a qualified clinician if there is concern about side effects, hormone problems, or withdrawal-related symptoms.
Conclusion
Steroids are not one single thing. Corticosteroids are valuable medical medicines for inflammation and immune conditions, while anabolic steroids are testosterone-like drugs that are often misused for muscle and performance. The key message is simple: steroids can be helpful when prescribed properly, but misuse of anabolic steroids can seriously damage the heart, liver, hormones, fertility, and mental health.