Corticosteroids even though they are catabolic, they are included in the chemical enhancement of a professional cyclist or marathon runner, because of their anti-inflammatory activity and their ability to cure the musculoskeletal system, particularly the joints.
Moreover, corticosteroids contribute to the release of immediate energy, through hyperglycemia, via gluconeogenesis in the liver.
Furthermore, they also increase aerobic capacity (VO2max) through bronchodilation and larger percentage of oxygen uptake by the lungs, which are reinforced with beta-2 stimulants.
Cortisone is the major glucocorticosteroid, while aldosterone a mineralcorticosteroid.
The former is responsible of glycemia and the latter of sodium and water retention.
In the long term, use of corticosteroids can lead to insulin resistance and edema.
Other side effects include tendon rupture, osteopenia, psychosis, gastric ulcer, secondary hypogonadism in men.
Moreover, secondary induced Cushing’s syndrome could be the result of chronic administration of injectable cortisone (JFK’s moon face).
Cortisol blockers are drugs that inhibit the catabolic effect of cortisol.
Aminoglutethimide is a substance medically prescribed in metastatic breast cancer.
However, the drug can potentially prevent muscle wasting.
Orimeten’s/cytadren’s use can actually suppress the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
Therefore ACTH is stimulated from anterior pituitary.
In order to prevent HPA axis distortion, we can either use aminoglutethimide on/off every other day;
or to provide simultaneously injectable hydroxycortisone.
Aminoglutethimide’s careless abuse can lead to secondary Addison’s disease and severe adrenal insufficiency.
Cortisol’s crush would lead to hypotension, hypoglycemia and fatigue.
CORTICOSTEROIDS