Steroids vs. Anabolic Steroids: What’s the Difference

Steroids vs. Anabolic Steroids: What’s the Difference

Steroids and anabolic steroids are terms that are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they are not the same thing. While anabolic steroids are a type of steroid, not all steroids are anabolic steroids.

Understanding the difference requires looking at what steroids are in general, how they function in the body, and what makes anabolic steroids unique.

Steroids are a broad class of organic compounds that share a specific chemical structure. This structure consists of four interconnected carbon rings. Steroids occur naturally in the human body and can also be synthesised in laboratories.

They play essential roles in many biological processes, including metabolism, immune response, salt and water balance, development of sexual characteristics, and stress regulation.

There are several main types of naturally occurring steroids in the body. Corticosteroids, such as cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands and help regulate inflammation, immune response, metabolism, and stress. Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, help regulate blood pressure by managing sodium and water levels.

Sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are also classified as steroids because they share the same core chemical structure.

In medical settings, doctors prescribe different kinds of steroids to treat various conditions. Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in diseases such as asthma, arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

They are also used to prevent organ rejection after transplants. These medications can be life-saving and are generally used under strict medical supervision.

When people refer to “steroids” in healthcare contexts, they are often talking about these anti-inflammatory corticosteroids rather than muscle-building substances.

Anabolic steroids, more accurately known as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a specific subset of steroids. They are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. The word “anabolic” refers to muscle-building properties, while “androgenic” refers to the development of male characteristics.

These substances are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body, particularly its ability to promote muscle growth and enhance physical performance.

Anabolic steroids work by increasing protein synthesis within cells, especially in muscle tissue. This leads to increased muscle mass and strength, and to faster recovery after intense physical activity.

Because of these effects, anabolic steroids are sometimes prescribed medically to treat conditions such as delayed puberty in boys, muscle loss due to chronic diseases like cancer or HIV, and certain types of anaemia. In these cases, they are used under careful medical supervision.

However, anabolic steroids are widely known for their non-medical use in sports and bodybuilding. Athletes and bodybuilders may misuse them to gain a competitive advantage, increase muscle size, and improve performance. This non-prescribed use is illegal in many countries and banned in most professional sports organisations.

The side effects of anabolic steroids can be significant, especially when taken in high doses or without medical oversight. In men, misuse can lead to reduced natural testosterone production, infertility, shrinking of the testicles, breast development, and an increased risk of heart disease.

In women, anabolic steroid use can cause deepening of the voice, excessive body hair growth, menstrual irregularities, and permanent changes in appearance. In both sexes, risks include liver damage, high blood pressure, mood swings, aggression, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

Corticosteroids, on the other hand, have a different set of side effects. Long-term use may cause weight gain, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, weakened immunity, and mood changes.

However, these risks are managed by doctors who carefully control dosage and duration. Importantly, corticosteroids do not build muscle in the way anabolic steroids do.

In summary, the key difference between steroids and anabolic steroids lies in scope and function. “Steroids” is a broad term that includes many different types of hormones and medications with various roles in the body. Anabolic steroids are a specific type of steroid that mimics testosterone and promotes muscle growth and male characteristics.

While all anabolic steroids are steroids, not all steroids are anabolic. Understanding this distinction helps clarify common misconceptions and highlights the importance of using any steroid medication responsibly and under proper medical guidance.