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Q. What are steroids ?
Steroids are organic compounds with four rings in a very specific molecular configuration.
They are extensively found in plants and animals
Steroids are organic compounds with four rings in a very specific molecular configuration.
They are extensively found in plants and animals
Steroids have two main functions in a living thing:
a) They are part of the cell membrane
b) they act as hormones or signaling molecules in living things
a) They are part of the cell membrane
b) they act as hormones or signaling molecules in living things
Q. Does the human body have steroids ?
Yes. The human body, just like any other living thing is full of these “steroids”
Steroids are NECESSARY for the human being to survive. Without steroids, there is no human life.
Yes. The human body, just like any other living thing is full of these “steroids”
Steroids are NECESSARY for the human being to survive. Without steroids, there is no human life.
Q. Which are the common hormones in our body which are steroids?
Cortisol is the most important steroid in the human body. It is formed by the adrenal cortex. Again, there is no life without cortisol. Cortisol is a form of Corticosteroid since it is formed by the adrenal cortex.
Cortisol is the most important steroid in the human body. It is formed by the adrenal cortex. Again, there is no life without cortisol. Cortisol is a form of Corticosteroid since it is formed by the adrenal cortex.
Besides cortisol, there are several other steroids in the human body. The sex hormones- testosterone and estrogen are also forms of “steroids”
Q. What is the colloquial usage of the term steroids ?
What non-medical people understand as steroids are basically two things:
a) Steroid used an abused by athletes and body builders. The correct terms for these are “anabolic steroids”
What non-medical people understand as steroids are basically two things:
a) Steroid used an abused by athletes and body builders. The correct terms for these are “anabolic steroids”
b) The steroids used in clinical medicine. These include “steroids” like hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is currently in vogue because of its extensive use in management of COVID-19 infection
Q. Are “Steroids” safe ?
Now that depends on what steroid you are talking about.
Steroids are per se necessary for the human body to survive. So the steroids formed without your own body, are absolutely essential for survival.
Now that depends on what steroid you are talking about.
Steroids are per se necessary for the human body to survive. So the steroids formed without your own body, are absolutely essential for survival.
However, if you are talking about steroids given from outside as medicine, just like any medicine, the correct use of the same is not only safe but also life-saving.
Incorrect use of any medicine, be it a steroid or anything else is dangerous. Hence always rely on "qualified" doctors for treatment of any condition which need these steroids
The use of steroids is the cornerstone of various quackeries as well and we have found several patients developing a condition called "Cushing syndrome" because of extensive and unindicated use of these steroids by quacks. (See an example below)
Q. Let me rephrase it, are “anabolic steroids” abused by sportspersons safe ?
No. They are absolutely NOT safe. They cause dangerous, long-lasting, and severe side effects.
No. They are absolutely NOT safe. They cause dangerous, long-lasting, and severe side effects.
The abuse of these anabolic agents is rampant worldwide
If you are an athlete abusing anabolic, contact your Endocrinologist ASAP. https://www.webmd.com/men/anabolic-steroids
If you are an athlete abusing anabolic, contact your Endocrinologist ASAP. https://www.webmd.com/men/anabolic-steroids
Q. What about the use of steroids in COVID-19 ?
Generally, steroids like Dexamethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, etc have been used
Generally, steroids like Dexamethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, etc have been used
In selected sick patients with COVID-19. Several studies have found the use of Dexamethasone to be life saving in selected patients with COVID-19. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2021436
If your treating doctor prescribes you “Steroids” for COVID-19, it is most likely indicated and may be lifesaving for you. Hence it is advisable NOT to interfere with ongoing treatment without having complete knowledge about the same.
Having said that, you are always free to seek a second opinion on the topic and may seek an opinion of another qualified doctor if you need to.
Q. What is the commonest side effect of dexamethasone or other steroids used in COVID-19 ?
In some patients, Dexamethasone can increase the blood sugar levels even in people who may not have diabetes mellitus. In people already having diabetes, the blood sugars can get worse.
In some patients, Dexamethasone can increase the blood sugar levels even in people who may not have diabetes mellitus. In people already having diabetes, the blood sugars can get worse.
However, there is now extensively knowledge and expertise on managing steroid induced hyperglycemia.
Doctors dealing with this can look at our RCT on this topic at : https://www.ijem.in/text.asp?2017/21/6/836/219325
We have also made a video recently on the topic at :
Doctors dealing with this can look at our RCT on this topic at : https://www.ijem.in/text.asp?2017/21/6/836/219325
We have also made a video recently on the topic at :
Q. I am a doctor and want to know more about pharmacology of steroid use . Where can I find authentic and easy to read information on this topic ?
You can visit our Notes in Endocrinology website : http://www.endocrinology.co.in
You can visit our Notes in Endocrinology website : http://www.endocrinology.co.in
Yesterday we published a note on “An overview of the pharmacological uses of Glucocorticoids” (NewNote #21)
https://endocrinology.co.in/ADRENAL+GLAND/Physiology+and+pharmacology+of+glucocorticoids/An+overview+of+the+pharmacological+uses+of+Glucocorticoids
https://endocrinology.co.in/ADRENAL+GLAND/Physiology+and+pharmacology+of+glucocorticoids/An+overview+of+the+pharmacological+uses+of+Glucocorticoids
We will continue to publish more information on the topic, so please watch this space. We publish new notes every day
Q. I am a doctor and I want to help maintain the Notes in Endocrinology page. How can I help ?
In the future, we will be seeking extensive collaboration on the topic.
In the future, we will be seeking extensive collaboration on the topic.
But at present, you can help by making a small donation to help us keep going.
Please look at our donations page for more
https://endocrinology.co.in/ABOUT+US/DONATION
Please look at our donations page for more
https://endocrinology.co.in/ABOUT+US/DONATION
