Many types of steroids exist. Learn about the different types, what they are used for, and safety considerations. What are anabolic steroids? Anabolic steroids are medications that are manufactured forms of testosterone. The technical term for these compounds is “anabolic-androgenic steroids” (AAS). “Anabolic” refers to tissue building (mainly muscle), and “androgenic” refers to a group of sex hormones called androgens. Prednisone is used to treat allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and arthritis. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Steroids play a critical role in treating and managing diseases. They also can come with a host of side effects. Here's what you need to know. The shape of the four rings of most steroids is illustrated (carbon atoms in black, oxygens in red and hydrogens in grey). The nonpolar slab of hydrocarbon in the middle (grey, black) and the polar groups at opposing ends (red) are common features of natural steroids. 5α-DHP is an endogenous steroid hormone and a biosynthetic intermediate. Find out more about steroids, the different types of steroid medicine, side effects and how to stop taking them safely. Corticosteroid medicines include cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone, among others. They help treat rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and several other conditions. But corticosteroids also may have serious side effects. Corticosteroids help lessen swelling and irritation, called. Anabolic steroids are often used illegally to build muscle. But corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of health problems. Learn more about steroids. Steroids are hormones that occur naturally in the body. Steroid medicines are man-made and are similar to the natural hormones made in the body. The type of steroids used to treat disease are called corticosteroids. They are different to the anabolic steroids which some athletes and bodybuilders use. Anabolic steroids have very different effects. Steroids can also refer to man-made medicines. The two main types are corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids (or anabolics for short).