{"id":1484,"date":"2023-12-15T21:15:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T21:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1484"},"modified":"2023-12-15T21:16:20","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T21:16:20","slug":"corticosteroids-vs-anabolic-steroids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/womens-health-medications\/corticosteroids-vs-anabolic-steroids\/","title":{"rendered":"Corticosteroids vs. Anabolic Steroids: Critical Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are different hormones with different actions.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corticosteroids are synthesized artificially and are prescribed for inflammation and inflammation-associated pain.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anabolic steroids enhance growth of muscle and bone.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Their functions are very different, since they attach to different receptors in the body.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anabolic (androgenic) steroids can be prescribed for certain medical conditions but also are often used illegally to enhance athletic performance.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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,\u00a0 although corticosteroids and anabolic steroids both have a common core, alterations can change their shapes, their ability to select specific receptors for attachment, and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 their metabolic function. It is this difference in function that makes knowing the differences between them important.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main difference between corticosteroids vs anabolic-androgenic steroids in how they participate in metabolism. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK546690\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metabolism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the total sum of the reactions that occur in the body, all the way down to each cell.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are Corticosteroids?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"Corticosteroids vs. Anabolic Steroids injections\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK554612\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids, within the large steroids family, mimic the action of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK538239\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cortisol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the body\u2019s natural anti-inflammatory hormone. While cortisol is naturally secreted by the body\u2019s adrenal glands, along with adrenaline and other hormones, the drugs prescribed to duplicate its anti-inflammatory effects are synthesized artificially \u2014 that is, they\u2019re made in a lab.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the functions of corticosteroids is to reduce the body\u2019s inflammatory response. They are used as powerful pain relievers for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/autoimmunediseases.html#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20an%20autoimmune,skin%20that%20causes%20hair%20loss.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autoimmune diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can destroy tissue when that tissue is attacked, as if it were foreign. More importantly, they reduce that destruction of tissues \u2014 for example, joints \u2014 that would otherwise continue if the condition were left untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids also are useful in addressing acute conditions in which the immune response might overreact, such as in an asthmatic attack.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of corticosteroid medications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prednisolone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrocortisone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dexamethasone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluticasone\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are Anabolic Steroids?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1487\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"holding a Anabolic Steroids injection\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/anabolicsteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic steroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are synthetic (man-made) versions of the male (androgen) hormone testosterone. This is why they are labeled as \u201canabolic-androgenic steroids,\u201d or AAS. They bind to the same androgen receptors that testosterone does to signal the body to increase muscle and bone creation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of anabolic medications include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Danocrine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluoxymesterone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mesterolone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methyltestosterone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nandrolone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxandrolone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxymetholone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re only available by prescription.\u00a0Any of them acquired without a prescription are illegal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Corticosteroids vs. Anabolic Steroids: How They Work in the Body<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is really an \u201capples and oranges\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A corticosteroid, as synthesized to function like cortisol, results in the desirable effects that your body\u2019s natural cortisol produces, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Raising glucose levels for energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with insulin to maintain a balance of the blood sugar level<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing inflammation by downregulating the effects of the precursors that take part in the inflammatory process<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helping to regulating (i.e., control) the immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1489\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"taking Corticosteroids\" width=\"780\" height=\"521\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS)<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Anabolic + Corticosteroids<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because anabolic steroids block the effects of corticosteroids in parts of the body, mixing corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids seems counterintuitive. However,\u00a0 high doses of corticosteroids can cause problems, such as the bone loss mentioned above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Common Side Effects and Long-term Risks of Corticosteroids<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that can lead to a range of side effects and long-term risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone loss (osteoporosis) and fractures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinning of the skin\/easy bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher risk of infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluid retention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shifts in how fat is distributed in the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\/vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness on standing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Long-term Risks<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rheumatoidarthritis.net\/living\/moon-face-side-effect\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moon face\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cushings-syndrome\/#:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20Cushing's%20syndrome&amp;text=One%20of%20the%20main%20signs,a%20red%2C%20puffy%2C%20rounded%20face\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buffalo hump<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d as is seen in Cushing\u2019s syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thinning of arms and legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic hypertension<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Problems With Abruptly Stopping Long-term Use<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term use suppresses the body\u2019s natural production of cortisol, so a sudden withdrawal of prescribed corticosteroids results in \u201csteroid withdrawal syndrome,\u201d which can last from a few days to months:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness upon standing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\/vomiting\/diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful joints<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Side Effects and Long-term Risks of Anabolic Steroids<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1490\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/5.jpeg-2.jpg\" alt=\"lifting weights\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic steroids come with their own set of potential side effects and long-term risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Common Side Effects<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acne and oily skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prostate stimulation with urinary symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduction in testicle size (shrinking)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankle swelling\/fluid retention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast enlargement in men<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast reduction in women<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menstrual irregularities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginal dryness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Long-term Risks<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure (hypertension)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of blood clots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion\/memory problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiovascular events, e.g., heart attack, stroke, or blood clots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short stature<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male-pattern baldness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Anabolic Steroids Are Used: Medical Uses vs. Performance Enhancement<\/h2>\n<h3>Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids: Legitimate Medical Use<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u2014 cause bone loss.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic steroids have been used in the past to counter the estrogen effects that make endometriosis progress, compromising a woman\u2019s fertility. However, using them in women caused androgen-related problems, called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002339.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virilization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Side effects like deepening of the voice, cystic acne, hairiness, and breast size decrease made them unpopular.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, better strategies have been developed to avoid the virilizing side effects by getting away from the androgenic (testosterone) molecule altogether.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Illegitimate Use of Anabolic Steroids for Performance Enhancement<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, androgenic steroids are used for illicit purposes, too \u2014 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Legal and Ethical Considerations for Anabolic Steroids<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1491\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/6.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"anti doping sign\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic-androgenic steroids have significant legal and ethical considerations.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used therapeutically, they require a prescription.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional \u2014 and even amateur\/collegiate \u2014 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA has designated anabolic steroids as controlled substances, and many of them have been voluntarily withdrawn from the market or overtly outlawed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-the-counter \u201cdesigner\u201d anabolic steroids have been synthesized by tweaking the illegal chemical structure and then marketing them as unregulated dietary supplements. Because the FDA doesn\u2019t regulate dietary supplements, these don\u2019t have rigorous testing and monitoring guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe side effects, including permanent liver damage, kidney failure, and infertility, have resulted from the use of these over-the-counter supplements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Misconceptions and Confusion<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1492\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/7.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"medication bottles\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u201csteroids.\u201d This is why it is important to know the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corticosteroids are immunosuppressants that decrease inflammation, pain, and damage from an over-aggressive immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic-androgenic steroids are testosterone-like synthetics that act like testosterone to \u201cvirilize\u201d a person with bulked muscles and increased strength and stamina.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Except for the weak-strength topical ointments and creams, corticosteroids require a prescription due to their potentially serious side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All anabolic-androgenic steroids require a prescription and should be used carefully for serious medical conditions that require their crucial anabolic effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic are in the steroid family because they are based on the same molecule precursor. But that\u2019s where the similarity ends. The two drug classes could not be more different in their medical uses, ethics, side effects, and even legality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Find the Lowest Price for Steroid Medications at BidRx<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/8.jpeg-1.jpg\" alt=\"Corticosteroids blister pack\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the difference between corticosteroids and anabolic steroids? Steroids are a broad class of molecules that share a certain molecular arrangement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1485,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-womens-health-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1484","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1484"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1484\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1494,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1484\/revisions\/1494"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1484"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1484"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1484"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}