Are anabolic steroids the same as cortisone?

No, anabolic steroids are not the same as cortisone, even though both belong to the steroid class. There are fundamental differences between them in terms of chemical structure, mechanism of action, medical uses, and side effects.

What are Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, are synthetic versions of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone plays a vital role in developing and maintaining male sexual characteristics, such as facial hair, a deep voice, and muscle growth. Although testosterone exists in smaller amounts in women, anabolic steroids are used medically to treat certain hormonal problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss resulting from specific diseases. However, they are commonly misused by some bodybuilders and athletes to build muscle and enhance athletic performance, and the doses used in these cases are often much higher than medically prescribed therapeutic doses [2].

What is Cortisone?

Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid, which are hormones produced naturally in the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids differ from anabolic steroids in their primary functions. Corticosteroids are widely used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They help treat a wide range of conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, skin diseases, and severe allergies. They can have different side effects than anabolic steroids and require careful medical monitoring during use.

Key Differences Between Them

• Structure and Function: Anabolic steroids are derived from testosterone and primarily affect muscle growth and male characteristics. Cortisone is a corticosteroid that affects inflammatory and immune responses in the body.
• Medical Uses: Anabolic steroids are used to treat testosterone deficiency and muscle loss, while cortisone is used to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
• Risks of Misuse: Misuse of anabolic steroids, especially at high doses and over long periods, is associated with many health problems, such as acne, high blood pressure, heart and liver problems, mood swings, and gender-specific effects like baldness and breast development in men, or changes in the menstrual cycle and body hair growth in women [2].

Can anabolic steroid use be detected?

Yes, anabolic steroid use can be detected through laboratory tests. Drug screening tests, which are often performed using urine samples, are used to detect the presence of anabolic steroids and other prohibited substances. These tests are common in various contexts, such as sports screenings to detect performance-enhancing drugs [1]. Blood, saliva, hair, sweat, or nail samples can also be used to detect drug use, although urine is the most common [1]. Professionals should always be informed of any prescribed medications or supplements being taken, as they may affect test results [1].

Advice and Preventive Measures

It must be emphasized that using anabolic steroids without medical supervision and a specific prescription is unsafe and illegal [2]. If you suspect someone is misusing anabolic steroids or if you are considering using them for any non-medical purpose, it is essential to consult a doctor or healthcare professional. Misuse can lead to serious health complications, including severe depression that may lead to suicide attempts upon cessation [2]. For more information on the risks and side effects of anabolic steroids, you can visit Anabolic Steroids: Health Risks and Side Effects (Arabic).

Medical references

• Drug Testing
• Anabolic Steroids