However, as with all medications, there are side effects to know about.
For example, steroids can have short-term and long-term side effects, and they might also affect your mood.
What Are Corticosteroids?
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Some of these include the:
Which Steroids Are Used in Cancer Therapy?
When we think of someone taking steroids, we often think of muscle-boundathletesor weightlifters.
Thecorticosteroid convertercan be used to compare dosages of one of these drugs to another.
Corticosteroids have been a part of many regimens for the so-called lymphoproliferative disorders, which include lymphoma.
The pituitary gland sends out a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
ranging from the control of blood pressure to the control of blood sugar.
Pharmaceutically produced synthetic steroids function much like cortisol.
Understanding “feedback loops” in the production of natural hormones in the body can help to explain this.
For example, increased appetite and weight gain may be beneficial in underweight people with cancer.
double-check to let your healthcare provider know if you experience any symptoms or side effects.
Conversely, it is not uncommon to have a low mood or even depression after you discontinue these medications.
It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions when coping with cancer.
If your feelings are severe, you may need to seek immediate assistance.
In rare instances, stopping steroids abruptly can result in life-threatening adrenal crisis.
Even if you are following a tapering schedule, let your healthcare provider know if your symptoms become bothersome.
That is why they play a big role in the treatment of both blood-related cancers and solid tumors.
Be your own advocate in your cancer care.
Ramamoorthy S, Cidlowski JA.Corticosteroids: Mechanisms of action in health and disease.Rheum Dis Clin North Am.
2016;42(1):15-31, vii.
16(4):307-13. doi:10.1007/s11916-012-0273-z
