There are three
types of steroids:
1)
Corticosteroids- Any of the natural or synthetic hormones
associated with the adrenal cortex, which influences or controls key
processes of the body, as carbohydrate and protein metabolism,
electrolyte and water balance, and the functions of the cardiovascular
system, the skeletal muscle, the kidneys, and other organs.
--These steroids
are found in prescription and non-prescription creams and ointments that
control rashes and itching. Two common trade names are Cortaid(R) and
Lanacort(R).
2) Estrogens
and Progestogens- These are the female sex hormones.
They are responsible for the development of secondary sexual
characteristics in women and maintain the female reproductive system.
--Estrogens and
progestogens are the active ingredients in prescription birth control
tablets.
3) Androgens-
Testosterone is the androgen that leads to the development of male
secondary sexual characteristics and maintains the male reproductive
system.
--Testosterone is
commonly prescribed in the treatment of female breast cancer, androgen
deficiency, and for stimulation of growth, weight gain, and red blood
cell production. These are commonly known as "anabolic
steroids" because they promote muscle growth. They are also
commonly used to help patients recover from a surgery and cancer
treatment that resulted in damage to muscle tissue.
