Steroids are a type of medication that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. They are man-made versions of hormones that are naturally produced in the human body, and they are designed to act like these hormones to reduce inflammation. Steroids are also known as corticosteroids, and they are different from anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders and athletes.

There are different types of steroids, including tablets, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, injections, creams, lotions, and gels. Steroids can be used to treat conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hay fever, severe hives, eczema, painful joints or muscles, pain caused by an irritated or trapped nerve, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and some kinds of cancer.

Steroids can have side effects, including weakened bones, cataracts, weight gain, increased appetite, and mood changes. Steroid treatment can also stop the body from producing natural hormones, which can be dangerous if you get ill, have an accident, or need an operation. It is important to keep a steroid card with you to help any other doctor who treats you to manage your care correctly.

It is worth noting that anabolic steroids are different from the steroids used to treat medical conditions. Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone that are abused in an attempt to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic performance, and improve physical appearance.