- Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are different hormones with different actions.
- Corticosteroids are synthesized artificially and are prescribed for inflammation and inflammation-associated pain.
- Anabolic steroids enhance growth of muscle and bone.
- Their functions are very different, since they attach to different receptors in the body.
- Anabolic (androgenic) steroids can be prescribed for certain medical conditions but also are often used illegally to enhance athletic performance.
What is the difference between corticosteroids and anabolic steroids? In the science of chemistry, steroids are a broad class of molecules that share a certain molecular arrangement. However, although corticosteroids and anabolic steroids both have a common core, alterations can change their shapes, their ability to select specific receptors for attachment, and — most importantly — their metabolic function. It is this difference in function that makes knowing the differences between them important.
The main difference between corticosteroids vs anabolic-androgenic steroids in how they participate in metabolism. Metabolism is the total sum of the reactions that occur in the body, all the way down to each cell.
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are named after cortisol, the stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, which sit above each kidney. The steroid part of the name is derived from cholesterol, which shares the same core molecular structure as all the steroids.
Corticosteroids, within the large steroids family, mimic the action of cortisol, the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone. While cortisol is naturally secreted by the body’s adrenal glands, along with adrenaline and other hormones, the drugs prescribed to duplicate its anti-inflammatory effects are synthesized artificially — that is, they’re made in a lab.
One of the functions of corticosteroids is to reduce the body’s inflammatory response. They are used as powerful pain relievers for autoimmune diseases, which can destroy tissue when that tissue is attacked, as if it were foreign. More importantly, they reduce that destruction of tissues — for example, joints — that would otherwise continue if the condition were left untreated.
Corticosteroids also are useful in addressing acute conditions in which the immune response might overreact, such as in an asthmatic attack.
Examples of corticosteroid medications include:
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Hydrocortisone
- Dexamethasone
- Fluticasone
- Others
These are available orally, by injection, by inhalation, and even topically, for different conditions. They are frequently available by prescription only, but some diluted topical strengths are available over the counter as ointments or creams.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic (man-made) versions of the male (androgen) hormone testosterone. This is why they are labeled as “anabolic-androgenic steroids,” or AAS. They bind to the same androgen receptors that testosterone does to signal the body to increase muscle and bone creation.
Examples of anabolic medications include:
- Danocrine
- Fluoxymesterone
- Mesterolone
- Methyltestosterone
- Nandrolone
- Oxandrolone
- Oxymetholone
- Testosterone
Anabolic steroids are available orally, by injection, as creams and patches, in nasal gel, and as implantable, time-released pellets. All require close supervision, so they’re only available by prescription. Any of them acquired without a prescription are illegal.
Corticosteroids vs. Anabolic Steroids: How They Work in the Body
This is really an “apples and oranges” type of story. The differences between anabolic steroids and corticosteroids stand out in their very different metabolic effects. Thus, the things that corticosteroids (catabolic) and anabolic steroids do in the body are not interchangeable.
Corticosteroids
A corticosteroid, as synthesized to function like cortisol, results in the desirable effects that your body’s natural cortisol produces, such as:
- Managing stress
- Raising glucose levels for energy
- Working with insulin to maintain a balance of the blood sugar level
- Reducing inflammation by downregulating the effects of the precursors that take part in the inflammatory process
- Maintaining blood pressure
- Helping to regulating (i.e., control) the immune system
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS)
Anabolic steroids enter the muscle cells and interact with the DNA in them to propel further cell growth, hence their illicit use in athletics. They help to reduce fatigue while training, which is another illegal competitive temptation; or helps minimize fatigue when it is associated with medically necessary physical therapy, which is a legitimate use.
Anabolic + Corticosteroids
Because anabolic steroids block the effects of corticosteroids in parts of the body, mixing corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids seems counterintuitive. However, high doses of corticosteroids can cause problems, such as the bone loss mentioned above.
Patients with difficult-to-control asthma or severe arthritis, when they present as complex cases, might benefit from a controlled, minimally effective dose of anabolic steroids. These may be given to counter the dangerous effects of the corticosteroids.
Common Side Effects and Long-term Risks of Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that can lead to a range of side effects and long-term risks.
Common Side Effects
- Bone loss (osteoporosis) and fractures
- Thinning of the skin/easy bruising
- Elevated blood sugar
- Elevated blood pressure
- Easy bruising
- Higher risk of infection
- Fluid retention
- Shifts in how fat is distributed in the body
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness on standing
Long-term Risks
- “Moon face” or “buffalo hump,” as is seen in Cushing’s syndrome
- Diabetes
- Thinning of arms and legs
- Chronic hypertension
Problems With Abruptly Stopping Long-term Use
Long-term use suppresses the body’s natural production of cortisol, so a sudden withdrawal of prescribed corticosteroids results in “steroid withdrawal syndrome,” which can last from a few days to months:
- Lethargy
- Dizziness upon standing
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
- Weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Painful joints
- Headache
- Mood swings
Side Effects and Long-term Risks of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids come with their own set of potential side effects and long-term risks.
Common Side Effects
- Acne and oily skin
- Prostate stimulation with urinary symptoms
- Reduction in testicle size (shrinking)
- Ankle swelling/fluid retention
- Breast enlargement in men
- Breast reduction in women
- Menstrual irregularities
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
Long-term Risks
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased risk of blood clots
- Confusion/memory problems
- Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
- Cardiovascular events, e.g., heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
- Liver damage
- Short stature
- Male-pattern baldness
How Anabolic Steroids Are Used: Medical Uses vs. Performance Enhancement
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Legitimate Medical Use
Anabolic steroids are legitimately prescribed for muscle-wasting diseases. Because they can impact bone, they are used for bone depletion, such as conditions related to osteoporosis. (Corticosteroids do just the opposite — cause bone loss.)
Because they bind to the same receptors testosterone binds to, anabolic-androgenic steroids are also used for hormonal deficiencies in men and in adolescent puberty delays.
Anabolic steroids have been used in the past to counter the estrogen effects that make endometriosis progress, compromising a woman’s fertility. However, using them in women caused androgen-related problems, called virilization. Side effects like deepening of the voice, cystic acne, hairiness, and breast size decrease made them unpopular.
Today, better strategies have been developed to avoid the virilizing side effects by getting away from the androgenic (testosterone) molecule altogether.
Anabolic steroids are also useful in treating cancer by opposing the estrogen that genetically makes some cancers progress. When certain malignancies have estrogen receptors that make them grow, they can be blocked by offering anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Illegitimate Use of Anabolic Steroids for Performance Enhancement
Unfortunately, androgenic steroids are used for illicit purposes, too — enhancing the performance of athletes. This use is illegal for several reasons. Violating the good faith philosophy of competition, they give an unfair advantage to those using them who compete vs the other athletes who do not.
The medical problems, for which close supervision is needed, are a much bigger concern. They have a variety of severe side effects and adverse reactions, detailed above. Taking them without cautious supervision by a qualified medical professional can have serious medical consequences.
Legal and Ethical Considerations for Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids have significant legal and ethical considerations.
- When used therapeutically, they require a prescription.
- Professional — and even amateur/collegiate — competition is strictly regulated for the integrity of the sports and the health of those who compete in them. Anabolic steroids have long been unacceptable, resulting in elimination, banning, and even legal penalties.
- The FDA has designated anabolic steroids as controlled substances, and many of them have been voluntarily withdrawn from the market or overtly outlawed.
- Over-the-counter “designer” anabolic steroids have been synthesized by tweaking the illegal chemical structure and then marketing them as unregulated dietary supplements. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, these don’t have rigorous testing and monitoring guidelines.
- Severe side effects, including permanent liver damage, kidney failure, and infertility, have resulted from the use of these over-the-counter supplements.
Misconceptions and Confusion
Corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids are often confused with each other. This is because the infamy of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement has been labeled in the social and mainstream media as simply “steroids.” This is why it is important to know the difference.
- Corticosteroids are immunosuppressants that decrease inflammation, pain, and damage from an over-aggressive immune system.
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids are testosterone-like synthetics that act like testosterone to “virilize” a person with bulked muscles and increased strength and stamina.
- Except for the weak-strength topical ointments and creams, corticosteroids require a prescription due to their potentially serious side effects.
- All anabolic-androgenic steroids require a prescription and should be used carefully for serious medical conditions that require their crucial anabolic effects.
Conclusion
Both corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic are in the steroid family because they are based on the same molecule precursor. But that’s where the similarity ends. The two drug classes could not be more different in their medical uses, ethics, side effects, and even legality.
Corticosteroids are related to cortisol, the natural hormone from the adrenal glands secreted to manage stress in the body, via several different methods. Anabolic-androgen steroids are related to testosterone and have male-hormone-related effects.
Find the Lowest Price for Steroid Medications at BidRx
Medically necessary anabolic steroids and most corticosteroids require a prescription. You can find the best prices and selection for these and other medications at BidRx. Simply place a bid, and pharmacies will compete to fill your order.
Visit our medication page to get started.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
