Usage of steroids in medicine

Steroids may be classified into 3 groups: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Nature of corticosteroids is similar to that of hormones secreted in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids may be in form of creams, ointment, inhalation products, etc. They are prescribed for treatment of inflammations, allergic reactions, illnesses of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems.
Estrogens and progestogens are female sex hormones. These hormones promote developing female secondary characteristics. Birth control pills contain these hormones.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids represent medications which are also widely used in medicine. They are capable to treat several types of breast cancer, cancer of testicles, anemia, etc. These products are often prescribed to get better and faster recovery after several operations. Burn victims, individuals with HIV/AIDS administer anabolic-androgenic steroids in order to avoid muscle loss. Several steroids are also directed for treatment of osteoporosis. These medications are also taken for treatment of infertility.
Furthermore, anabolic-androgenic steroids are taken for athletic purposes. These drugs can build muscles and promote enhancing energy. That’s why numerous sportspeople and bodybuilders use them for performance-enhancing effects. Certain anabolic-androgenic steroids can also induce loosing fat, making muscles defined.
Usage of anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-therapeutic purposes is forbidden under laws of some countries. Those who manufacture, sell, purchase and administer these products illegally may be sentenced to jail and/or fines. These drugs belong to illicit preparations in several countries because they may cause different adverse results. While several undesirable results are insignificant and disappear after discontinuation of application, others are serious and even irreversible. Those who want to get positive effects, applying steroids for therapeutic purposes, should apply these drugs under recommendations of physicians.