Being diagnosed with an illness can feel overwhelming, with a lot to take in all at once. You might need to learn new exercises, avoid certain foods, and keep track of a busy schedule of appointments. On top of that, you’re likely to come across unfamiliar words and phrases, all while not feeling your best. Your doctor is the best person to explain what all this means for you personally, but the list below should give you a solid introduction to some of the terms you might hear in relation to steroid use in general.

 
Index: A B C D E F G H I J M O P S T V W
 
 

A

 		  

Acne 
(ak-nee)

A skin condition associated with steroid use that can cause spots and oily skin. Steroid acne usually occurs on the chest, but it can also show up on the face, neck, back, and arms. It’s more likely in people under 30 and those with lighter skin. Spots may be more uniform than with ordinary, non-steroid-related acne. Can be eased with medication from the doctor and usually clears up after you stop taking steroids. 

Adrenal crisis 
(uh-dree-nl kry-sis)

A rare but serious condition in which the adrenal glands struggle to make enough of the hormone cortisol. This can happen when steroids are stopped suddenly after taking them for a long time. A person who is experiencing an adrenal crisis will likely feel very weak or dizzy and may even faint. Your doctor will try to gradually taper (reduce) your steroids to avoid this, but it’s good to know the signs, just in case.

Adrenal glands
(uh-dree-nl glandz) 

Located just above the kidneys, these organs produce important natural chemicals called hormones. One of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands is cortisol, a naturally occurring steroid that helps regulate many important bodily functions. When the time comes to stop taking steroids, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually, helping give your adrenal glands time to ‘wake up’ and make their own cortisol again so that you avoid adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis. 

Adrenal insufficiency 
(uh-dree-nl in-suh-fish-en-see) 

A condition where the body doesn't make enough of its own cortisol to function properly. This leads to a slow build-up of unpleasant symptoms that can include extreme fatigue and weight loss, which can be caused by high-dose or long-term steroid use. Your doctor will help you taper (gradually reduce) your steroids to allow your body time to start producing enough cortisol of its own again. 

Anabolic steroids
(an-uh-bol-ik stair-oydz)

Synthetic substances that are best known for their non-medical and often illegal use to build muscle and enhance athletic performance. These are different from the glucocorticoid/corticosteroid drugs prescribed by doctors to reduce inflammation. 

Antibodies
(an-ti-bod-eez)

These are part of the body’s immune system that help fight off infections. Steroids can lower your antibody levels, which can make it easier to pick up infections and slow your recovery.

Anxiety
(ang-zai-uh-tee)

A feeling of being worried, stressed, or nervous that is a well-recognized side effect of steroids. Make sure you tell your doctor if you start to feel anxious. There are several things they can do to help. 

Autoimmune
(aw-toh-ih-myoon)

Refers to health conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. Steroids are commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions because they help reduce the immune system’s activity and ease symptoms. However, while they can make some aspects of life more comfortable, steroids cause a range of unwanted side effects. 

B

 		  

Bone density
(bohn den-si-tee)

Used to determine the strength of our bones. Doctors use it as a measure to assess a person’s risk of fractures and other bone conditions. Long-term steroid use can make bones thinner and more fragile, a condition known as osteoporosis. Regular bone density scans and supplements can help you keep your bones strong while on steroids.

Blood glucose 
(bluhd gloo-kohs)

The amount of sugar in the blood. Steroids can raise blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes. High blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia. Regular checkups are the first step in helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Brain fog
(brayn fog)

A feeling of mental cloudiness or confusion that some steroid users experience. Brain fog can make it hard to focus or remember things as clearly as usual. Tends to be especially noticeable when steroids are taken in high doses. 

Buffalo hump
(buf-uh-lo hump)

A non-medical term for a small, rounded area of fat that can develop on the back of the neck during long-term steroid use. It’s harmless but can be upsetting for some people. 

C

 		  

Cardiac Arrhythmias
(kar-dee-ak uh-rith-mee-uhz)

An irregular heartbeat that can sometimes feel like a “flutter” in your chest. Can be influenced by steroid use, especially at high doses. Speak to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Cardiovascular
(kar-dee-oh-vas-kyoo-lur)

This term refers to anything related to the heart and blood vessels. Long-term steroid use can put extra strain on the different parts of the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias). 

Cataracts
(kat-uh-rakts)

A condition where cloudy areas form on the lens of the eye, making vision blurry. People who take long-term steroids are at increased risk of cataracts. Be sure to book regular eye screening appointments to aid early detection and management. 

Cholesterol
(kuh-les-tuh-rawl)

A fat-like substance in the blood. Steroids can raise your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels and affect the health of your heart. Regular blood tests to check these levels are strongly recommended for long-term steroid users.

Corticosteroids
(kor-tih-koh-stair-oydz)

A type of steroid hormone that is either produced by the body’s adrenal gland or man-made for use in medicines. Corticosteroids are typically prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat autoimmune conditions. Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids, which are used for muscle growth. See also, glucocorticoids.

Cushing's syndrome
(koo-shingz sin-drohm)

A set of symptoms that can occur when a patient takes high doses of steroids over a long time. These include weight gain, rounding of the face (sometimes called moon face) and increased fat around the belly and back. These changes usually improve with lower steroid doses or after stopping steroids.

D

 		  

Depression
(dih-presh-uhn)

A state of mind that’s characterized by feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, or low motivation that many people experience while taking steroids. Make sure you tell your doctor if you think you feel depressed. There are several things they can do to help. 

Dexamethasone 
(deks-uh-meth-uh-zone)

This is a very strong steroid medication that is used to treat severe inflammation and autoimmune conditions. 

DEXA scan
(deks-uh skan)

A type of scan that measures bone density, helping doctors to keep an eye on a patient’s bone health. Ideally, it is performed at the start of steroid treatment and then annually as treatment continues to aid early detection of steroid-induced bone thinning.

Diabetes
(dai-uh-bee-teez)

A condition where your body struggles to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This leads to high blood sugar levels that can cause problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Steroid use affects how the body processes glucose and the hormone insulin. This can increase the risk of diabetes or make existing diabetes harder to manage. Blood glucose monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices can help with managing this risk.

Dose / Dosage
(doh-sij)

The amount and frequency of medication you take. Your doctor will aim to adjust your steroid dose to balance its benefits and side effects and help you find the lowest effective dose for your needs.

E

 		  

Edema
(ih-dee-muh)

Puffiness or swelling in the body, often in the legs or feet, that’s caused by a buildup of fluids. Steroids can cause the body to hold on to more salt and water than usual (fluid retention), leading to edema. It can feel uncomfortable, but lowering salt intake and keeping your arms or legs elevated can help reduce it. If necessary, your doctor may be able to ease this side effect with water pills or by changing the dose of your steroids.

F

 		  

Fatigue
(fuh-teeg)

A feeling of deep tiredness that can sometimes occur as a side effect of steroids, especially when you come to taper (reduce) your medication. Your doctor can help you manage fatigue if it becomes difficult, sometimes adjusting your dose or suggesting lifestyle changes.

Flare / Flare-up
(flair)

A return of active disease after a period where it was under control. When steroids are reduced too quickly, patients can experience a flare of the condition the steroids were treating. Careful tapering (reduction) and monitoring can help prevent this.

G

 		  

Glaucoma
(glaw-koh-muh)

An eye condition where pressure builds up inside the eye that can cause permanent damage to vision. Long-term steroid use can increase the risk of glaucoma, so regular eye exams are essential. 

Glucocorticoids
(gloo-koh-kor-tih-koydz)

A type of corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation and treat autoimmune conditions. Glucocorticoids mimic the effects of cortisol, helping reduce immune system activity. See also,  corticosteroids.

H

 		  

Hirsutism
(hur-soo-tiz-um)

Excess hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, stomach, and back, which can sometimes occur with steroid use. It’s more noticeable in women (who do not typically grow as much hair in these areas) but can affect men too. Hirsutism usually disappears when steroids are lowered or stopped.

Hyperglycemia
(hai-per-glai-see-mee-uh)

High blood sugar levels. Can be caused by steroids affecting how the body processes sugar (glucose). In the short term, hyperglycemia can make you feel you constantly need to eat, drink, or use the bathroom (to pee) so be sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor if you notice them. In the longer term hyperglycemia can lead to weight gain, a weakened immune system, and even the development of diabetes. 

Hyperlipidemia
(hai-per-lip-uh-dee-mee-uh)

High levels of fats (lipids) like cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, which can sometimes be raised by steroid use. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular checkups can help keep your lipid levels in a healthy range.

Hyperpigmentation
(hai-per-pig-men-tay-shun)

Darkening of the skin that can sometimes occur with steroid use, especially in areas exposed to the sun. This may fade after stopping steroids. Wearing sunscreen can help prevent further changes.

Hypertension
(hai-per-ten-shun)

High blood pressure, which can be a side effect of steroids. Small lifestyle adjustments, like aiming for a low-salt diet, can help keep your blood pressure in check. Regular blood pressure checks should catch any increases.

I

 		  

Immune system
(ih-myoon sis-tem)

The body’s defense system against infection and illness. Steroids suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation, which can make it easier to catch infections. Being mindful of exposure to germs and practicing good hygiene can help you protect yourself.

Immunosuppressant
(ih-myoo-noh-suh-press-ant)

A type of medication that reduces the activity of the immune system. Steroids are immunosuppressants, often used to manage autoimmune conditions and reduce inflammation by calming the immune response.

Inflammation
(in-fluh-may-shun)

Swelling, redness, and warmth in tissues, which happen in response to injury or illness. In the short term, the body's natural inflammation response helps it heal. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system gets confused and fails to regulate this response properly. Steroids help control inflammation, easing pain and other symptoms in many conditions.

Insomnia
(in-som-nee-uh)

A sleep disorder that means you regularly struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Common among people who take steroids, especially at higher doses. Adjusting the time of day you take your dose or discussing sleep aids with your doctor can help.

Insulin
(in-suh-lin)

A hormone that helps your body manage its blood glucose (sugar) levels. It’s made by the pancreas and plays a key role in how your body uses and stores energy. Steroids can affect how your body produces and uses insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise, which can cause a range of additional health problems. 

Insulin resistance
(in-suh-lin ree-zis-tans)

When the body’s cells don’t respond as well to the blood-sugar-controlling hormone insulin as they should, which can raise blood glucose (sugar) levels. Steroids can increase insulin resistance, especially in people with diabetes. Monitoring blood sugar can help manage this side effect.

Irritability
(eer-ih-tuh-bil-ih-tee)

Feeling easily annoyed or on edge. Affects some people who take steroids, especially at higher doses. Can be eased by your doctor, so it’s worth bringing up at your next appointment, even if these feelings come and go. 

J

 		  

Jittery
(jit-er-ee)

A feeling of nervous energy or shakiness that some people feel on steroids, particularly at higher doses. Cutting back on caffeine and practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce “the jitters.”

M

 		  

Manic
(man-ik)

A highly energized mood that can sometimes be triggered by high doses of steroids. It may feel like excessive excitement or restlessness. If this happens, it’s helpful to talk to your doctor to find ways to manage these feelings.

Methyl-prednisolone
(meeth-ul-pred-nis-oh-lone)

This is a strong steroid medication that is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Moon face
(moon fays)

A non-medical term that describes the rounder, fuller face that some people experience with long-term steroid use. This is usually temporary and may go away once steroids are reduced or stopped.

Myopathy
(my-op-uh-thee)

Muscle weakness, especially in the arms and legs, that can happen with long-term steroid use. Aim to mention any changes to your doctor who can help you manage myopathy by adjusting your steroid dose and suggesting gentle exercise routines.

O

 		  

OCS
(oh-see-ess)

Oral corticosteroids, i.e., those taken by mouth.

Opportunistic infections
(op-er-too-nis-tik in-fek-shuns)

Infections that are more likely to occur when the immune system is weakened, as happens with steroid use. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people can help reduce your risk.

Osteoporosis
(os-tee-oh-puh-roh-sis)

A condition of fragile, easily breakable bones, which can develop with long-term steroid use. Regular bone density checks and supplements like calcium and vitamin D can help protect bone health.

Osteopenia
(os-tee-oh-pee-nee-uh)

A condition where bones are weaker than normal but not as severe as osteoporosis. Long-term steroid use can contribute to osteopenia, so keeping an eye on bone health and taking preventive measures is important.

P

 		  

Prednisone
(pred-nih-sohn)

This is the most common steroid medication that is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Prednisolone
(pred-nih-suh-lone)

A steroid medication that is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Prednisolone is the active form of prednisone, meaning it is ready to get to work in the body as soon as it is taken and does not need to be converted by the liver. Your doctor may prescribe prednisolone if you have liver problems that make it hard for your liver to do this conversion itself.

Psychosis
(sai-koh-sis)

A mental state where someone might experience hallucinations or be detached from reality. This is a rare side effect of steroids. If you feel this may be happening to you, immediate medical support is important, so do not wait for your next appointment. Let your doctor know ASAP.

S

 		  

Steroid
(stair-oyd)

A type of medication that mimics natural hormones to reduce inflammation and manage autoimmune symptoms. Steroids cause a wide range of side effects that range from inconvenient to life-changing, but these can be managed by close work with a doctor. At the end of treatment, steroid use must be tapered (reduced slowly) to avoid additional health problems.  

Systemic
(sis-tem-ik)

Affecting the whole body rather than a single part. When steroids are taken orally (by mouth) or injected, they have a systemic effect, helping with inflammation throughout the entire body.

T

 		  

Tapering
(tay-per-ing)

Gradually reducing your dose of steroids to allow your body to adjust. This is important to give your adrenal glands time to start making natural cortisol and prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

Toxicity
(tok-sis-ih-tee)

The harmful side effects that a substance causes, particularly when taken in high doses or for a long time. There are over 80 different steroid-toxicities on record, ranging from mildly inconvenient to life-threatening. Your doctor will work with you to balance the beneficial effects of your steroids with their potential harms and help you find the lowest effective steroid dose for your needs.

Triglycerides
(try-gli-ser-ides)

A type of fat in the blood that can rise with steroid use. Managing diet, exercise, and regular blood tests can help keep triglyceride levels healthy.

V

 		  

Visual acuity
(vizh-oo-al ah-kyooh-ih-tee)

Sharpness of sight, which can be affected by steroid use if cataracts or other eye issues develop. Regular eye exams can help you keep track of any changes in your vision while on steroids.

W

  

Withdrawal
(with-draw-ul)

Symptoms that may occur when stopping a drug too quickly. Gradual tapering (reduction) of steroids helps prevent withdrawal, allowing the body time to adjust and the adrenal glands to resume their normal activities.