Steroids are chemical compounds that are structurally similar to hormones naturally produced in the body and are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Steroids used in medical practice, particularly corticosteroids, play an important role in the treatment of many diseases.
Steroids are effective in controlling inflammatory conditions. In chronic diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases, they suppress the immune response, relieve symptoms, and help prevent tissue damage. They are also used to prevent rejection after organ transplantation.
Long-term use of steroids can lead to serious side effects. Osteoporosis, weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, thinning of the skin, and a weakened immune system are among the most common issues. For this reason, treatment should be closely monitored.
Abrupt discontinuation of steroids can also lead to dangerous consequences. As the body adapts to externally administered steroids, natural hormone production may be suppressed. This can result in life-threatening conditions such as adrenal insufficiency; dose reduction must always be carried out under medical supervision.
What is a steroid?
A steroid is a general term for substances with a specific chemical structure that are either naturally present in the body or can be taken externally as medication. The human body actually produces its own steroids. Cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones secreted by the adrenal glands are examples of this group.
In everyday use, the term “steroid” usually refers to corticosteroids used as medication or anabolic steroids associated with sports. However, these two groups differ significantly in their mechanisms of action and intended uses. For this reason, treating all steroids as a single category can lead to misunderstandings.
What do steroids do?
The purpose of steroid use varies depending on the type. The most commonly used in medical practice are corticosteroids. These medications help suppress inflammatory processes in the body and regulate an overactive immune response.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed by physicians for allergic diseases, certain skin conditions, rheumatic diseases, respiratory disorders, and many conditions involving the immune system. For example, they can be used to reduce shortness of breath in asthma patients, control tissue swelling during severe allergic reactions, or suppress inflammation in certain intestinal diseases.
Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are substances with effects similar to testosterone. Although they have limited and specific uses in medicine, they are more widely known for their non-medical use to increase muscle mass. Since this type of use does not serve a therapeutic purpose, it is evaluated separately in terms of health risks.
In what forms are steroids used?
Steroids are available in various forms. They can be used as tablets, syrups, injections, creams, ointments, sprays, or inhalers. The method of use is determined based on the type of disease, its extent, and the individual’s overall health condition.
For example, while a steroid cream may be recommended for a localized skin condition, oral or intravenous steroids may be preferred for inflammation affecting the entire body. In respiratory diseases, inhaled steroids that act directly on the lungs are commonly used. Each form differs in its effects on the body and its side effect profile.
In which situations is steroid use considered?
Steroid use is typically considered when the body’s defense mechanisms are overactive or uncontrolled. Autoimmune diseases in which the immune system damages the body’s own tissues, severe allergic reactions, and prolonged inflammatory processes are examples of such situations.
From the patient’s perspective, symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, redness, shortness of breath, or issues that significantly affect daily life may lead to the consideration of steroid treatment. However, determining when, at what dose, and for how long steroids should be used requires thorough medical evaluation.
What are the side effects of steroids?
The side effects of steroids vary depending on the type of medication, dosage, duration of use, and the individual characteristics of the patient. With short-term and low-dose use, side effects are generally limited. However, risks increase with long-term or high-dose use.
Possible side effects of corticosteroids include increased appetite, weight gain, thinning of the skin, acne, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Over time, decreased bone density and imbalances in blood sugar and blood pressure may also occur. For this reason, regular monitoring is especially important in chronic conditions.
In cases of anabolic steroid misuse, hormonal imbalances, liver problems, cardiovascular risks, and psychological changes are more prominent. These effects may not always be noticed during use and can become apparent in later stages.
Are steroids suitable for everyone?
Steroids are not medications that can be universally considered “safe for everyone” or “suitable in all situations.” In some individuals, their use may be risky due to existing medical conditions, concurrent medications, or specific health factors.
For example, steroid therapy must be planned more carefully in individuals with diabetes, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal problems, or a history of infections. Therefore, treatment decisions are made not only based on symptoms but also by evaluating the individual’s overall health status.
What should be considered when using steroids?
The most important point during steroid treatment is not to start the medication without a physician’s recommendation and not to discontinue it on one’s own. In particular, suddenly stopping long-term steroid use can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance.
Regular check-ups, adherence to prescribed doses, and monitoring for possible side effects are essential parts of the treatment process. If weight gain, significant mood changes, or unexpected physical symptoms occur, they should be promptly discussed with a physician.
Prof. Dr. Özgür Kılıçkesmez is one of Türkiye’s leading interventional radiology and neuroradiology specialists, focusing on minimally invasive endovascular treatments. His primary areas of expertise include aneurysm and stroke treatments, embolization procedures, non-surgical treatments of thyroid and parathyroid diseases, interventional oncology, and peripheral vascular interventions. He currently serves as the Head of the Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology Department at Istanbul Memorial Göztepe Hospital.
Graduating from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1997, Prof. Dr. Kılıçkesmez received advanced training in interventional radiology and oncology as a Clinical Fellow at London Guy’s & St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital between 2012 and 2013. He earned the title of Professor in 2020 and, in the same year, became the Founding Interventional Radiologist at SBÜ Çam and Sakura City Hospital. He also holds the EBIR (European Board of Interventional Radiology) certification.
Prof. Dr. Kılıçkesmez has 94 international and 40 national publications and over 2500 citations. He serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR) and Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology. With his clinical and academic expertise, he is a nationally and internationally recognized authority in stroke treatment, brain aneurysm, embolization, tumor ablation, and minimally invasive treatments of thyroid/parathyroid diseases.
Vaka Örnekleri