Steroid medications
are of several types, but the most common type of type of steroid
medications is one which used corticosteroids; thus, the term ‘steroid
medication’ is often used interchangeably with ‘corticosteroid
medication’.
Corticosteroids are different from anabolic-androgenic
steroids.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic versions of male androgens,
primarily testosterone. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are
synthetic versions of glucocorticoids, primarily the hormone cortisol.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids
promote skeletal growth and development of male sexual characteristics.
Glucocorticoids mainly act as anti-inflammatory agents.
A
steroid medication
mimics such actions of naturally-occurring steroids and is, therefore,
prescribed to treat inflammatory reactions. A steroid medication is
commonly used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Although a steroid medication can help you combat recurring allergic or
inflammatory conditions, it may cause side effects. This type of
medication is known to have negative effects on your bones. A
steroid medication,
especially if taken on prolonged periods and high dosages, negatively
affect the metabolism of calcium, leading to bone loss, osteoporosis,
and other bone disorders. It has been reported that bone loss due to
steroid medication can take place rapidly, with the patient losing up
to as much as 15% per year.
To prevent this health problem form arising, you can take other drugs
while you’re on corticosteroids. Bisphosphonate medications, such as
Fosamex,
are effective in preventing the occurrence of steroid-induced
osteoporosis.
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