Types of Steroid
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When people hear the word “Steroid” usually the first things that come to mind are related to muscle gain and performance enhancing. However there are actually various forms and different types of steroids. So what are steroids? Steroids are either naturally occurring or synthetically formed fat-soluble compounds (lipids) found in the body. In general there are two types of steroids most commonly used in medical practice; corticosteroids and sex hormones including anabolic androgenic steroids as well as estrogens and progestogens. However, when being more specific about the types of steroids technically anabolic steroids and androgenic steroids can be separated into their own categories respectively.
When it comes to the full array of types of steroids there are literally hundreds to be found in the human system as well as in plant life. In human beings, all steroids, regardless of the types of steroids they are all born/created in the cells of the body by lanosterol. For our purposes here we are not concerned with the hundreds of types of steroids found in the body but rather the steroidal drugs that can be used, which breaks down into the two types of steroids previously mentioned.
Common Types of Steroids
Corticosteroids: corticosteroids serve several purposes. Born in the adrenal cortex, corticosteroids serve multiple purposes including and not limited to:
- Controlling of inflammation
- Metabolism of carbohydrates
- The breakdown of proteins into amino-acids
- Properly functioning immune response
- Maintaining electrolyte levels in the blood
Corticosteroids can be broken down into two distinct types of steroids:
- Glucocorticoids
- Mineralocorticoids
Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: the primary purpose of these types of steroids is quite simple; to replicate the function(s) of the male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. When we break down some of the more specific qualities of this purpose we are left with but not limited to:
- Increasing protein synthesis
- Protein synthesis leads to a buildup of muscle tissue
- An increase in red-blood cell production
- Increased physical strength
- Increase in muscle repair
There are hundreds of types of steroids that can be placed in the anabolic-androgenic category and these are the types of steroids most are concerned with learning about due to their effects and qualities. A common misconception when it comes to the discussion of types of steroids as it pertains to the “female sex” steroids is their importance and place in body. Many who use various types of steroids for athletic purposes speak in a strong ill-willed manner regarding hormones such as estrogen but these hormones have a specific purpose in a well-functioning body. Granted, too much estrogen can be a problem if you’re looking for the most performance out of your anabolic steroid use but in the case of males, those who usually see estrogen as the enemy, it’s important to note that some estrogen may indeed be needed to keep your libido functioning properly.