Steroids are a class of fat-soluble compounds with similar structures, usually including cholesterol, androgens, estrogens, adrenal cortical hormones and cholesterol metabolites. Steroids have many important physiological functions in the human body, including regulating the permeability and stability of cell membranes, participating in hormone synthesis and metabolism, regulating the immune system and inflammatory response, etc. However, when steroids are used in excess or for a long time, a series of side effects may occur, including suppressing the immune system, affecting sugar metabolism, affecting gonadal function, causing hormone imbalance, etc. Therefore, when using steroid drugs, you should follow the doctor's advice to avoid abuse and long-term use.
Uses of Steroids
- Medical uses: Steroids are widely used in medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, dermatitis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. They reduce symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory responses and overactivity of the immune system.
- Athletes enhance physical performance: Some athletes may abuse steroids to increase muscle strength and growth, improve endurance and stamina. These practices are considered illegal and dangerous and may cause serious health problems.
- Beauty uses: Steroids can also be used in the beauty industry to treat skin problems such as scars, skin allergies, and eczema. They can reduce skin inflammation and symptoms, making the skin look smoother and healthier.
- Alternative therapies: Some people use steroids as an alternative therapy to effectively reduce rejection and allergic reactions. These applications are usually carried out under the supervision of a doctor to ensure proper use and reduce potential side effects.
The Effects of Steroids on The Body
Steroids are an important class of biological molecules that play a variety of functions in the human body. Among them, cholesterol is an important lipid substance that is a component of cell membranes and a precursor for the synthesis of many hormones in the body. Steroid hormones include adrenal cortical hormones, sex hormones and vitamin D, which play an important role in regulating human growth, metabolism, immune response and sexual characteristics. In addition, steroids can also regulate inflammation and immune response, and have therapeutic effects on many autoimmune diseases. At the same time, steroids can also reduce allergic reactions and organ transplant rejection. Therefore, steroids are widely used in clinical medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases and immune diseases.
Reference
- Albano, Giuseppe Davide, et al. Adverse effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids: a literature review. Healthcare. 2021, 9(1).
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