Steroids

Steroids are synthetic versions of naturally occurring chemicals known as hormones in the human body. Steroids are intended to act similarly to these hormones to decrease inflammation.

They are also called corticosteroids and are not confused with anabolic steroids, which bodybuilders and athletes use.

While steroids will not cure your condition, they are extremely effective at reducing inflammation and alleviating associated symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Inflammation is typically the body’s natural response to infection or bacteria. To combat infections or bacteria, your immune system produces additional fluid, resulting in swelling, redness, and heat in the affected area. This may have occurred if you had a cut or wound on your skin.

Anabolic steroids are artificial (man-made) testosterone analogs. In men, testosterone is the primary sex hormone. It is necessary to develop and maintain masculine sex characteristics such as facial hair, a deep voice, and muscle growth. Women do contain testosterone but in much smaller amounts.