Let's learn more about steroids (Corticosteroids). Are these drugs really dangerous?

Did you feel a little scared or nervous when your doctor prescribed you a steroid? When some people hear this name, they think of something harmful to the body that athletes use to build their bodies. But in reality, these steroids that we use in medicine are completely different, and sometimes they are very valuable drugs that can even save lives. So it is very important to dispel misconceptions about this and know the exact truth. Today, we will talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.

What exactly are steroids?

Simply put, these are synthetic drugs that mimic the hormone cortisol, which is naturally produced by our own adrenal glands. The main function of cortisol in our bodies is to help us cope with stress and control inflammation in the body.

So doctors use these synthetic steroids, called corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body. They are like a booster for our body's own natural immune system, which helps fight disease. Your doctor can adjust the dosage of these medications to suit your needs and treat you exactly as you need them.

What kind of diseases are these used for?

Steroids are very useful drugs used for many diseases. In particular, they are indispensable for autoimmune diseases, which are caused by the overactivity of our body's immune system. Imagine, the army that is supposed to protect our body (the immune system), mistakenly starts attacking its own cells. At such times, steroids help to control and calm that overactivity.

See the table below for some of the most common uses of this medication.

'Steroids', 'corticosteroids', 'glucocorticoids' - are you confused by these names?

It's normal to get a little confused when you hear all three names. But just remember, when doctors and patients talk, all three names are often used to refer to the same class of drugs. `(Corticosteroids)` is the main class, and `(Glucocorticoids)` is a specific subclass. However, you don't need to get confused by these names when you are being treated, your doctor will give you the exact medicine you need.

Some of the most common types of steroids

You may have seen one of these names on your prescription.

• Prednisone
• Cortisone
• Hydrocortisone
• Methylprednisolone

How does this medicine work inside the body?

Steroids are very powerful, fast-acting drugs. They perform three main functions.

1. Reducing inflammation: When there is an injury or infection somewhere in the body, our immune system sends cells to fight it. This results in redness, swelling, heat, and pain. We call this inflammation. In some diseases, this inflammation gets out of control and starts to damage the body itself. Steroids work by reducing the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and controlling this condition.

2. Relieving pain: As the inflammation decreases, the associated pain also decreases to a great extent.

3. Suppressing the immune system: As mentioned earlier, in autoimmune diseases where the immune system becomes overactive and attacks its own body, steroids help to control the activity of that system to some extent, minimizing the damage caused.

What are the methods of administering steroids?

The way you are given steroids depends on your condition. There are two main methods.

What are the main benefits of steroids?

Despite fears about side effects, the benefits of steroids are not insignificant.

• Quick results: One of the biggest advantages of these is that they provide quick results . They can control symptoms such as severe pain and swelling in a very short time.
• Long-term relief: For example, a cortisone injection into a joint can provide pain relief for months, sometimes permanently.
• Lifesaving: In some cases, these are life-saving. For example, if someone is suffering from a disease like lupus that is causing kidney damage, they can give them these steroids to stop the damage. This can potentially prevent them from needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Let's talk about the side effects that everyone fears

Okay, now let's talk about the reason why many people are afraid of these drugs, which is the side effects. Since steroids are powerful drugs, side effects can occur. But remember, these side effects do not occur in everyone . And they are most often seen when taking them in pill form over a long period of time, in high doses . The chances of these occurring are very low for someone who uses a cream or a one-time injection.

These are some of the most common side effects:

• Increased appetite and weight gain: Many people experience increased hunger while taking steroids. Therefore, if you eat uncontrollably, you may gain weight.
• Water retention in the body: This can cause a moon face and swelling.
• Skin changes: Thinning skin, easy bruising, increased acne.
• Mood swings: Feeling irritable, restless, anxious, and unable to sleep may occur.
• Stomach discomfort: Conditions such as stomach inflammation and gastritis.
• Increased body hair growth.

What are the long-term risks?

A person who takes steroids for a long time (months, years) has an increased risk of developing certain serious conditions. Your doctor is aware of these risks, so he or she will regularly check you and take the necessary precautions.

• Diabetes: Steroids can increase blood sugar levels. If you already have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• High blood pressure.
• Osteoporosis: Bones become thin and easily brittle.
• Susceptibility to infections: As the immune system is weakened, the risk of contracting diseases increases.
• Cushing's syndrome: A condition caused by high levels of cortisol in the body.

Very important: Do not stop steroids suddenly!

This is the most important thing you need to remember. If you have been using steroid pills for more than two weeks, never stop taking them suddenly without your doctor's advice.

Imagine, when we continue to take steroids from outside, our body's natural cortisol-making factory (the adrenal glands) becomes a little "lazy". It thinks, "It's coming from outside anyway, why should I work hard?" and reduces its work. If you suddenly stop taking the medication from outside, that sluggish factory cannot start working right away. As a result, the body loses the cortisol it needs, causing severe discomfort, low blood pressure, and even life-threatening complications.

So what the doctor does is gradually reduce the dosage over several months, give the body's factory time to start working again, and then slowly stop the medication.

What time should I see the doctor?

It's important to pay attention to your body while taking steroids.

• If your symptoms do not improve after about a week of starting the medication, tell your doctor.
• If you are taking medication for a long time, check your blood pressure, sugar levels, and bone density as your doctor recommends.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

It's normal to feel scared when you see a list of side effects. You may wonder, "Is it worth taking a medication with so many problems?" But most of the time, the answer is, "Yes, it's definitely worth it." A doctor prescribes this medication for you because he or she has determined that the potential harm from the side effects is far less than the harm that would result from not taking the medication. So don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have, no matter how small. He or she will explain the benefits, risks, and everything else you need to know about the medication.