Corticosteroids, or corticoids or steroid hormones are hormones produced naturally in the body. An imbalance in the form of a deficiency or even an overproduction can have serious consequences for the human organism.
What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal cortex and are hormones produced naturally in the body. Corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal cortex and are hormones produced naturally in the body. They are one of about 50 groups of steroid hormones produced in adrenal cortex. Their constant production is vital for the body. For about 40 years, for example, the important cortisone and cortisone-like substances have been produced artificially. They are similar to hormones and have a much stronger effect than corticosteroids produced by the body. The best-known corticosteroid is probably cortisone. It regulates numerous metabolic processes in the body. Artificially produced, it was long considered a “miracle drug” against all diseases. Today, people are aware of its effects, but also its side effects, and use cortisone far more cautiously.
Medical application, effect and use
Corticosteroids are used, among other things, to treat asthma, eczema, epilepsy, neurodermatitis, rheumatic diseases, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, certain chemotherapies, and a wide variety of skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis). Glucocorticoids in particular show considerable efficacy in immune disorders and emergency situations. Above all, they play a major role in therapeutic applications. Thus, when taken, a blockade against inflammatory processes can be established. In addition, they suppress the formation of connective tissue and stabilize the circulation in case of shock. In the body, they stimulate the production of gastric acid and act on the immune system. Natural corticosteroids, compared to artificially produced corticosteroids, are much weaker. At the same drug concentration, they also bind more easily to receptors. Corticosteroids also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive effects. Great care should be taken when administering corticosteroids, especially glucocorticoids. Because of their high efficacy, intake should be given only after careful consideration, at the lowest possible dose, and for a short period of time. If long-term treatment with corticosteroids is necessary, it is essential to maintain the dose as well as the exact intake. Patients should neither change the dose nor discontinue therapy on their own authority. This may lead to an acute relapse. Corticosteroids can be used in the form of tablets, infusions and injections, as well as ointments, creams and sprays. Skin diseases are treated with ointments or creams. In inflammatory diseases such as vascular inflammation, immune disorders, asthma or cancer, therapy is carried out by administering the drug.
Herbal, natural, and pharmaceutical corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids are classified into three groups. Decisive for the classification are their biological effect and the site of formation. A distinction is made between mineral corticoids (e.g., aldosterone), which are also formed in the adrenal cortex and regulate the potassium–sodium budget and thus the body’s water content, glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisone), and steroid hormones (androgen and estrogen). Glucocorticoids perform important functions in glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. A deficiency can lead to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. For this reason, increased intake of vitamin D, vitamin C and K, as well as magnesium and zinc should be taken into account. The need for vitamin D and C, in particular, is greatly increased by the administration of glucocorticoids. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, can reduce the need for glucocorticoids. This should always be done in conjunction with a specially tailored diet. The starting material of all corticosteroids is cholesterol. Synthetic corticosteroids include prednisone and prednisonol. Corticosteroids are metabolized in the liver and then excreted in the urine and bile.
Risks and side effects
Side effects may occur, especially if the dose is prolonged, as well as if it is too high. If artificial corticosteroids are added to the body, this leads to a decrease or cessation of the body’s own production. Interference with glucose metabolism can lead to changes in fat metabolism (truncal obesity, moon face).It is also not uncommon for gastrointestinal ulcers and wound healing disorders to occur. A major risk exists for central nervous functions. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to an increase in pressure or clouding of the lens of the eye. Used judiciously and with regular monitoring, nothing stands in the way of prolonged use of cortisone as well as other corticosteroids.
