Three types of steroids

There are three classes of steroids: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, and anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Essence of corticosteroids is similar to that of hormones secreted in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids may be in form of creams, ointment, inhalation medications, etc. They are recommended for treatment of inflammations, allergic reactions, disorders of respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal and other systems.
Estrogens and progestogens are female sex hormones. These substances induce developing female secondary features. Birth control remedies contain these hormones.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are medications that are also widely used in medicine. They have capacity to cure certain types of breast cancer, cancer of testicles, anemia, etc. These medications are frequently prescribed to get better and faster recovery after certain surgeries. Burn victims, patients with HIV/AIDS take anabolic-androgenic steroids in order to prevent muscle loss. Some steroids are also prescribed for treatment of osteoporosis. These remedies are also indicated in case of infertility.
Moreover, anabolic-androgenic steroids are applied for athletic needs. These drugs have ability to stimulate muscle growth and induce increasing strength. That’s why numerous sportspersons and bodybuilders administer them for performance-enhancing effects. Some anabolic-androgenic steroids are able also to promote burning fat, making muscles hard.
Application of anabolic-androgenic steroids for non-medical purposes is forbidden under laws of certain countries. Those that manufacture, sell, purchase and use these medications illegally may be sentenced to prison and/or fines. These medications belong to illicit substances in some countries because they may cause various side reactions. While several negative results are mild and disappear after discontinuation of usage, others are sever and even irreversible. Those that desire to acquire benefits, using steroids for therapeutic needs, should take these medicines under guidelines of physicians.