If you’re thinking about using oral steroids, it’s important to know what the risks are. Oral steroids can interfere with your body’s natural production of testosterone, and there is a risk of serious side effects if taken without first consulting a doctor. In this article, we will discuss the risks of taking oral steroids after a steroid injection. We will also provide tips on how to minimize these risks and ensure a safe and successful cycle.
What is Oral Steroids?
Oral steroids are a type of medication that are taken to treat various medical conditions. They work by reducing inflammation and swelling. Oral steroids can be taken as pills, liquids, or injections.
Some common uses for oral steroids include treating chronic pain, treating arthritis, and helping to reduce the size of tumors. Oral steroids can also be used to help relieve asthma symptoms and improve joint function.
When taking oral steroids, it is important to speak with your doctor about any potential side effects. Some common side effects of oral steroids include: mood changes, increased aggression, decrease in sex drive, balding, acne development, and growth of hair on the face or body. It is also important to monitor your blood pressure while taking oral steroids because they can increase your risk for heart disease.
How Oral Steroids Work
Oral steroids are a class of medications that are taken by athletes, bodybuilders, and others to increase muscle mass or reduce body fat. Oral steroids work by increasing the production of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for sexual function, strength, and development of male characteristics.
When oral steroids are taken orally (by mouth), they are absorbed through the stomach and intestines. Once absorbed, oral steroids travel to the liver where they are metabolized into other hormones or eliminated from the body. The majority of oral steroid hormones remain in the blood for only a short period of time while they are actively being metabolized.
Because oral steroids are not consistently active throughout the entire day, it is important to take them with food to ensure an adequate dose is reached. Oral steroid tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing or breaking them up. If taken with water or other non-alcoholic beverages, Oral Steroids can also be mixed with fruit juice, yogurt or sports drinks for better absorption and faster action.
Can Oral Steroids Cause Side Effects?
There can be a number of potential side effects associated with taking oral steroids, depending on the individual’s unique body chemistry. These side effects can range from mild to serious, and can occur at any time during therapy. While most side effects will subside after steroid use is discontinued, some may persist for months or even years afterwards.
One of the most common side effects of oral steroid use is water retention. This occurs because steroids increase muscle mass and fluid retention becomes a natural byproduct. This can lead to weight gain, bloating, and an increased risk for heart disease and other complications. In addition, oral steroids can also cause acne breakouts, a reduction in hair growth, and an increase in prostate size.
Other potential side effects of oral steroid use include mood swings, decreased libido, breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), changes in liver function tests, and infertility. Some individuals may also experience reduced bone mineral density (osteoporosis). It’s important to speak with your doctor about all of the possible risks associated with using oral steroids before beginning treatment.
What to do if you feel Side Effects from Oral Steroids
If you experience any side effects from oral steroids, there are a few things you can do to ease them. Try drinking plenty of fluids, eating light meals, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. If the side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Yes, you can take oral steroids after a steroid injection, but it is important to speak with your doctor first to ensure that this is an appropriate move for you. Oral steroids can have powerful side effects and should not be taken without consulting with a physician first.