As far as the uses of steroids are concerned there are many. Steroids are actually naturally found hormones that are being made biologically with in cells of the body according to its requirements. However, today, with the development of human skills and the advancement in science and technology, artificial hormones are being made which addresses a number of man’s needs. Synthetic hormones are referred to as anabolic-androgenic hormones. It is the derivative of a chemical compound that has been structured exactly like the hormone testosterone.
This synthetic hormone can be found in various forms namely, bronchial inhaler, skin creams, nasal spray, pills, shot etc. But most commonly it has been consumed either orally or an intramuscular injection. The main purpose for using this drug is that it helps in improving muscle growth, strength and power. Following are some of the uses of steroids:
1) Reduces swelling or edema: Patient suffering from brain tumor is prescribed with steroid to reduce the edema in the brain. Corticosteroid is the steroid administered to brain tumor patient. In order to reduce the pressure on the brain steroids are given to these patients either during the treatment or surgery.
2) Body building: Steroids helps in developing body muscles size and strength. It helps in losing fat.
3) Male puberty: Androgen is given to those boys whose puberty has been delayed. It helps in developing body height, weight and fat-free body.
4) Bone marrow problem: Anabolic steroid can be used for the treatment of various conditions. Hypoplastic anemia, aplastic anemia etc are some of the conditions that steroids can help in treating.
5) Growth: Those children who face growth problems are also treated by steroids.
6) Gender disorder in male: Steroids induce a male to develop male characteristics like deeper voice, increasing bone size, facial hair, and increases level of red blood cells.
7) Male contraceptive: In some cases, steroids can be used as male contraceptives. Studies have also proved that using steroids can also cause impotency in men.
8) Treating arthritis: Arthritis, osteoporosis etc are some of the condition that steroids help in treating. However, it must be noted here that steroids if not taken under guidance can even cause osteoporosis.
9) Treatment of Asthma: Inhaler steroids are helpful in the treatment of those people of all age group suffering from asthma. However, it must be kept in mind that the doses prescribed for the treatment must not be exceeded or else it can result into serious side effects.
10) Inflammation: Steroids are also used to treat chronic infection, burns, severe trauma, extensive surgery, chronic wasting condition such as cancer and AIDS as well. It is also used to control inflammation.
Though steroids are being used to treat a number of diseases and conditions but if not taken under the proper guidance of a doctor then the effects can be reversible. That is to say, steroids instead of building the lean body mass can lead to the thinning of the skin and can cause osteoporosis. If the patient is already suffering from osteoporosis, then it can even aggravate the condition. Thus it is dangerous to use the drug as a medication or for any other purpose without the supervision of a medical practitioner. Despite the innumerable side effects which outweighs the positive effects, steroids can be used as an effective medicine under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
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