Common medicines known as steroids represent a range of drugs. Doctors prescribe these substances to treat several medical conditions. Athletes abuse steroids to gain an edge on their peers. While often effective, such drugs can produce immediate and delayed side effects. Patients should, therefore, take steroids carefully and only after consulting with a physician.
Reduce Organ Inflammation
A healthy immune response to trauma often includes organ inflammation. Glucocorticoid steroids such as dexamethasone can prevent this swelling without affecting the healing process. A 2009 report described in the medical journal Clinical Ophthalmology looked at the effects of dexamethasone injections immediately after cataract surgery. This type of surgery typically causes inflammation that can delay the recovery of eye function. The data indicated that steroid intake significantly reduced swelling, and it improved healing rate. Dexamethasone use introduced no further risk as patients rarely experienced adverse drug reactions.
Facilitate Injury Recovery
Victims of trauma can benefit from evolving forms of nutrition and supplement use. A 2009 review presented in the Journal of Burn Care & Research evaluated the changes in nutritional care for burn victims during the past 20 years. As of 2009, more than 90 percent of burn centers provide anabolic steroids to patients recovering from trauma. This type of steroid, which acts on the body's testosterone system, facilitates recovery by promoting tissue growth. The percentage of burn centers prescribing anabolics has increased dramatically over the years because of the effectiveness of steroid treatment.
Increase Body Weight
Patients with some medical conditions might find it difficult to maintain their body weight. This effect, called wasting, often occurs in people infected with HIV. A 2009 investigation published in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association evaluated anabolic steroids as a way to prevent HIV wasting. Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, effectively and safely increased body weight in this study. Fat-free body mass increased in the HIV patients but not in control subjects. The steroid also improved recovery rate and mental health. Most importantly, nandrolone was well-tolerated and only a few minor side effects were reported.
Replace Lost Hormones
Aging reduces endogenous levels of sex steroids such as testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. The loss of estrogen is a particular problem for postmenopausal women who frequently suffer from bone loss and heart damage. Menopause also affects cognition, and steroid intake can help combat these changes. A 2009 survey presented in the periodical Neurology looked at the effects of hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Results showed that taking sex steroids increased performance on verbal tasks. It also increased working memory and psychomotor speed. Intake of estrogen alone or an estrogen-progesterone combination was, in general, effective and safe at reducing menopausal decline.
References
- "Clinical Ophthalmology": Intracameral Dexamethasone Reduces Inflammation on the First Postoperative Day After Cataract Surgery in Eyes With and Without Glaucoma
- "Journal of Burn Care & Research"; Actual Burn Nutrition Care Practices: An Update; C. Graves et al.; January 2009
- "Journal of the Indian Medical Association"; Beneficial Effects of Nandrolone Decanoate in Wasting Associated with HIV; B. Saha et al.; May 2009
- "Neurology"; Characteristics of Hormone Therapy, Cognitive Function, and Dementia: The Prospective 3C Study; J. Ryan et al.; November 24, 2009
