Steroids are divided into 2 classes, Corticosteroid Drugs and Anabolic Steroids. The term steroids is often misunderstood as many will mistake Corticosteroids for anabolic steroids. So what is the difference between anabolic steroids and corticosteroids? Which is the good and which is the evil?

Corticosteroid Drugs called “steroids” for short are chemical substances which reduce swelling and acts as an anti-inflammatory medication. These drugs are closely related to cortisol (a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands). Without realizing it, we consume a fair amount of Corticosteroid Drugs frequently. This includes pain relief medications (ie to relief arthritic pain etc) and also to improve vascular efficiency by reducing our vascular walls’ thickness to promote better blood flow.

Anabolic Steroids on the other hand is completely different to Corticosteroid Drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anabolic steroids are synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgen). They promote growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effect) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects). There are more than 100 variations of anabolic steroids. The most powerful androgen (masculine characteristics) is testosterone. Testosterone promotes masculine traits which males develop during puberty such as deep voice and growth of body hair. Also Testosterone can affect the aggressiveness of a person.

The abuse of anabolic steroids by athletes to enhance their performances or improve of physical appearance will cause serious health problems, some of which are irreversible. The side effects may include: Liver tumours, cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, trembling, severe acne etc. In males, side effect may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development whereas for females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual cycle disruption and deepened voice. In teenagers, growth may be impaired or halted prematurely.