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Steroids
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Drug Therapy

Steroids

Corticosteroids are powerful medications that mimic hormones produced by the adrenal glands to reduce inflammation and manage immune system responses.

Overview

While distinct from anabolic steroids, corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. These medications are similar to the hormones your adrenal glands produce to help the body manage stress associated with illnesses and injuries. They work by reducing inflammation and affecting the immune system.

Conditions Treated

Your healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids to treat the following:

  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis
  • Skin conditions, such as eczema and rashes
  • Some kinds of cancer

Safety and Side Effects

Because steroids are strong medications, they can cause side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Due to these potential risks, they are typically prescribed for the shortest duration possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never stop taking oral corticosteroids suddenly if you have been on them for more than two weeks. Abrupt withdrawal can cause an adrenal crisis because your adrenal glands have temporarily stopped producing their own cortisol. Your healthcare provider will create a tapering schedule to slowly reduce the dose, allowing your body to resume natural hormone production safely.
To counteract the fluid retention and weight gain often associated with steroids, it is helpful to limit sodium intake to reduce swelling. Additionally, because steroids can raise blood sugar levels, monitoring carbohydrate intake and choosing complex carbs over simple sugars can help maintain stable energy levels. Ensuring adequate protein and calcium intake is also critical to support muscle mass and bone density during treatment.
Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are chemically distinct and serve different purposes. Corticosteroids mimic cortisol to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, treating conditions like asthma or arthritis. Anabolic steroids mimic testosterone to build muscle mass and are often used illicitly for performance enhancement. While both are steroids, their mechanisms, side effect profiles, and medical applications are completely different.
There is no single safe duration for everyone, as bone density loss risk increases with both the dose and the total cumulative amount of medication taken. Generally, doctors aim to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. If you require treatment for more than three months, your provider will likely monitor your bone health more closely and may prescribe calcium, vitamin D, or bone-protecting medications to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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