Different types of steroids

There are three groups of steroids: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Essence of corticosteroids is similar to that of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids may be in form of creams, ointment, inhalation medicines, etc. They are indicated to cure inflammations, allergic reactions, dysfunctions of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems.
Estrogens and progestogens are female sex hormones. These hormones induce developing female secondary features. Birth control pills contain these compounds.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are medications that are also widely applied in medicine. They can treat some types of breast cancer, testicular cancer, anemia, etc. These medicines are often prescribed to receive better and faster recovery after certain operations. Burn victims, individuals with HIV/AIDS use anabolic-androgenic steroids for prevention of muscle wasting. Some steroids are also recommended for treatment of osteoporosis. These products are also prescribed in case of infertility.
Moreover, anabolic-androgenic steroids are applied for athletic needs. These medicines can create muscles and promote increasing strength. That’s why a lot of athletes and bodybuilders take them for performance-enhancing effects. Several anabolic-androgenic steroids are able also to burn fat, making muscles distinctive.
Administration of anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-therapeutic needs is illegal under laws of several countries. Those that manufacture, distribute, purchase and administer these medicines illegally may be sentenced to imprisonment and/or fines. These drugs belong to illegal preparations in certain countries because they may lead to different side reactions. While several undesirable results are mild and disappear after discontinuation of intake, others are serious and even irreversible. Those who want to receive positive effects, applying steroids for therapeutic purposes, should apply these drugs under guidelines of health care providers.