Steroids are naturally made by our bodies in small amounts. They help to control many functions. But steroids can also be made artificially and used as drugs to treat different diseases, including cancer. Steroids used to treat cancer are usually a type called corticosteroids. These are man made versions of the HORMONES produced by the adrenal glands just above the kidneys.
Corticosteroids include:
prednisolone
methylprednisolone
dexamethasone
steroids help control many body functions including:
how your body uses food to produce energy (Metabolism)
keeping the balance of salt and water in your body
regulating blood pressure
reducing allergies and inflammation
controlling mood and behavior
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the body. It plays a vital role in how every cell works and every single cell needs and contains cholesterol. The body also turns it into vitamin D and a variety of hormones and it is also the raw material for bile acids which the body produces to aid digestion of fat.
However, the type and level of cholesterol in the body is important for Health and too high a cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease. Although genetic factors play an important role in determining a person’s cholesterol level it is also influenced strongly by diet and while cholesterol level is regarded as a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, it is regarded as a “modifiable” risk factor. It can be modified by diet and the type and quantity of foods we eat can make a big difference and this provides an opportunity to develop specific foods which can help lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can enter the body in the foods we eat or can be produced in the body by the liver.
Dietary cholesterol accounts for around 25–40% of the daily turnover of cholesterol whereas production in the body accounts for 60–75%.
The liver is the “control centre” for the body’s cholesterol transport system. Cholesterol is transported around the body in the form of lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins involved in cholesterol transport and these are called LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).
The liver may transport cholesterol through the bloodstream to supply cells of the body via LDL cholesterol or cholesterol can be transported from the body’s cells back through the bloodstream, via HDL cholesterol. If there is a shortfall of cholesterol the liver can make some more. If there is an excess, the liver may send cholesterol back down to the gut, via the bile.
If LDL cholesterol is too high, too much cholesterol arrives at the artery walls and if there is not enough HDL cholesterol to carry away excess cholesterol, then cholesterol starts to build up on the artery walls. Eventually the lining of the arteries starts to become overloaded with cholesterol and the artery walls thicken and become less flexible and coronary artery disease is underway.
LDL cholesterol is therefore often called “bad” cholesterol and HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol because of their relative roles. Usually when cholesterol is described as “high” it is the LDL cholesterol which is of main concern whereas the key concern with HDL cholesterol is whether it is too low.
Dietary Cholesterol
All dietary cholesterol is derived from animal products. The major sources of cholesterol in the diet are egg yolks, products containing milk fat, animal fats, and animal meats. Many studies have shown that high intakes of cholesterol will increase the serum cholesterol concentration. Most of this increase occurs in the LDL cholesterol fraction. When cholesterol is ingested, it is incorporated into chylomicrons and makes its way to the liver with chylomicron remnants. There it raises hepatic cholesterol content and suppresses LDL receptor expression. The result is a rise in serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. Excess cholesterol entering the liver is removed from the liver either by direct secretion into bile or by conversion into bile acids; also, dietary cholesterol suppresses hepatic cholesterol synthesis. There is considerable variability in each of these steps in hepatic cholesterol metabolism; for this reason the quantitative effects of dietary cholesterol on serum LDL cholesterol levels vary from one person to another. For every 200 mg of cholesterol per day in the diet, serum LDL cholesterol is increased on Average by about 6 mg dl−1.
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Steroids are a group of natural and synthetic compounds that are similar to cholesterol. They are found in the body and in Plants. Steroids are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including asthma, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. They are also used to improve athletic performance and to build muscle mass.
Anabolic steroids are a type of steroid that is used to build muscle mass and strength. They are often used by athletes and bodybuilders. Anabolic steroids can be dangerous, and they can have serious side effects, including heart problems, liver damage, and cancer.
Androgens are a type of steroid that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. They are produced in the testes and in the adrenal glands. Androgens are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including low testosterone levels, male infertility, and prostate cancer.
Corticosteroids are a type of steroid that is used to reduce inflammation. They are often used to treat asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroids can be dangerous, and they can have serious side effects, including high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Estrogens are a type of steroid that is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics. They are produced in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands. Estrogens are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.
Gonadotropins are a type of hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland. They are responsible for the development of the reproductive system. Gonadotropins are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including infertility, low testosterone levels, and menopause symptoms.
Growth hormone is a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland. It is responsible for the growth and development of the body. Growth hormone is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including growth hormone deficiency, short stature, and obesity.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. It is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar levels. Insulin is used to treat diabetes.
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland. It is responsible for the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Melatonin is used to treat insomnia and jet lag.
Progesterone is a type of steroid that is responsible for the development of the female reproductive system. It is also responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy. Progesterone is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including infertility, menstrual disorders, and menopause symptoms.
Testosterone is a type of steroid that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. It is also responsible for the maintenance of muscle mass and strength. Testosterone is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including low testosterone levels, male infertility, and prostate cancer.
Thyroid hormones are a type of hormone that is produced in the thyroid gland. They are responsible for the regulation of metabolism. Thyroid hormones are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and obesity.
Steroids are a powerful group of drugs, and they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. If you are considering using steroids, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Here are some of the risks associated with using steroids:
Heart problems: Steroids can increase your risk of heart problems, such as heart attack and stroke.
Liver damage: Steroids can damage your liver, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Cancer: Steroids can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Mental health problems: Steroids can cause mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and aggression.
Addiction: Steroids can be addictive, and it can be difficult to stop using them once you have started.
If you are considering using steroids, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Steroids can be a powerful tool for improving athletic performance and building muscle mass, but they also come with a number of risks. If you decide to use steroids, it is important to do so under the supervision of a doctor.
What are steroids?
Steroids are a group of natural and synthetic substances that are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including asthma, allergies, and arthritis. Steroids can also be used to build muscle and improve athletic performance.
What are the side effects of steroids?
Steroids can have a number of side effects, including:
Weight gain
Fluid retention
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep problems
Headaches
Acne
Hair loss
Thinning skin
Bruising easily
Increased risk of infection
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Heart problems
Stroke
Cancer
How are steroids taken?
Steroids can be taken orally, injected, or applied to the skin.
How long do steroids take to work?
The effects of steroids can vary depending on the type of steroid, the dose, and the way it is taken. Steroids can start to work within hours, but it may take several days or weeks to see the full effects.
How long do steroids stay in your system?
The half-life of a steroid is the amount of time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the drug. The half-life of steroids can vary depending on the type of steroid, the dose, and the way it is taken.
Are steroids addictive?
Steroids can be addictive, especially when they are taken for long periods of time or in high doses. Steroid addiction can lead to a number of problems, including:
What should I do if I think I have a steroid problem?
If you think you have a steroid problem, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you assess your risk for steroid addiction and develop a treatment plan.
Which of the following is a type of hormone? (A) Steroid (B) Estrogen (C) Testosterone (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of estrogen? (A) Regulates the menstrual cycle (B) Promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics (C) Helps to maintain pregnancy (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of testosterone? (A) Promotes the development of male secondary sex characteristics (B) Helps to maintain muscle mass and strength (C) Helps to produce sperm (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a side effect of taking steroids? (A) Acne (B) Weight gain (C) Mood swings (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a way to prevent the side effects of taking steroids? (A) Take the steroids as prescribed by your doctor (B) Do not take steroids for more than the recommended amount of time (C) Monitor your weight and blood pressure while taking steroids (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of steroid? (A) Anabolic steroid (B) Corticosterone (C) Estrogen (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of anabolic steroids? (A) Build muscle mass and strength (B) Increase athletic performance (C) Treat certain medical conditions (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a side effect of taking anabolic steroids? (A) Acne (B) Weight gain (C) Mood swings (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a way to prevent the side effects of taking anabolic steroids? (A) Take the steroids as prescribed by your doctor (B) Do not take steroids for more than the recommended amount of time (C) Monitor your weight and blood pressure while taking steroids (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of corticosteroid? (A) Cortisol (B) Prednisone (C) Methylprednisolone (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of corticosteroids? (A) Reduce inflammation (B) Treat allergic reactions (C) Treat autoimmune diseases (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a side effect of taking corticosteroids? (A) Weight gain (B) Mood swings (C) Osteoporosis (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a way to prevent the side effects of taking corticosteroids? (A) Take the steroids as prescribed by your doctor (B) Do not take steroids for more than the recommended amount of time (C) Monitor your weight and blood pressure while taking steroids (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of estrogen? (A) Estradiol (B) Estrone (C) Estriol (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of estrogen? (A) Regulates the menstrual cycle (B) Promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics (C) Helps to maintain pregnancy (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a side effect of taking estrogen? (A) Breast tenderness (B) Weight gain (C) Mood swings (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a way to prevent the side effects of taking estrogen? (A) Take the estrogen as prescribed by your doctor (B) Do not take estrogen for more than the recommended amount of time (C) Monitor your weight and blood pressure while taking estrogen (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of testosterone? (A) Testosterone cypionate (B) Testosterone enanthate (C) Testosterone propionate (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a function of testosterone? (A) Promotes the development of male secondary sex characteristics (B) Helps to maintain muscle mass and strength (C) Helps to produce sperm (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a side effect of taking testosterone? (A) Acne (B) Weight gain (C) Mood swings (D) All of the above