Steroids are medications that influence the body’s systems. While used for various medical purposes, their use, especially long-term or in high doses, can pose risks to the kidneys. Understanding different types of steroids and their effects is important for assessing potential kidney strain and damage.
Different Types of Steroids and Their Uses
The term “steroids” encompasses a broad category of compounds, primarily divided into corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are used to treat a wide array of conditions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus, asthma, severe allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and various skin conditions.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone. Medically, AAS are used to treat conditions such as delayed puberty, male hypogonadism, and muscle loss associated with certain diseases like cancer or AIDS. However, many individuals misuse AAS, often in doses significantly higher than medical prescriptions, to enhance muscle mass, improve athletic performance, or alter physical appearance.
How Steroids Can Affect Kidney Health
Both corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids can impact kidney function, though through different mechanisms. Corticosteroids do not cause direct damage to the kidneys. Instead, their influence is often indirect, stemming from side effects such as elevated blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to steroid-induced diabetes. Both uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are risk factors for kidney disease and can contribute to kidney strain over time. Corticosteroids can also cause fluid retention and increase blood volume, further burdening the kidneys.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids, particularly with long-term misuse, can directly harm the kidneys. One consequence is the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of scarring in the kidney’s filtering units, the glomeruli. This condition can lead to protein leakage into the urine and reduced kidney function. AAS can also contribute to kidney injury by increasing blood pressure and promoting oxidative stress and inflammation within kidney tissue. High doses of AAS can lead to severe hypertension, which can directly damage kidney blood vessels. In some cases, AAS use has been linked to rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down and releases substances into the bloodstream that can overwhelm the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury.
Signs of Kidney Strain and Damage
Recognizing signs of kidney strain or damage is important. Symptoms often develop gradually and can include swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles, and puffiness around the eyes. Changes in urination patterns, such as needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night, or noticing foamy or bloody urine, can also indicate kidney issues. Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and muscle cramps are other general symptoms that might suggest a decline in kidney function.
Healthcare providers identify kidney problems through various tests. Blood tests measure levels of substances like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which are waste products that healthy kidneys filter out. Elevated levels of these substances can signal impaired kidney function. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering blood; a lower eGFR suggests reduced function. Urine tests can detect the presence of protein (proteinuria) or blood (hematuria) in the urine, which are common indicators of kidney damage.
Protecting Your Kidneys While Using Steroids
Individuals using steroids can protect their kidney health. Regular medical monitoring, including consistent checks of blood pressure and kidney function tests, is recommended. Adhering strictly to prescribed dosages and durations for corticosteroids, and avoiding the misuse of anabolic steroids, can minimize potential risks. For those using AAS, discontinuing their use can lead to improvements in kidney abnormalities and function.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also plays a role in supporting kidney health. This includes staying well-hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while being mindful of salt intake to manage blood pressure, supports kidney health. Additionally, avoiding other substances known to be harmful to the kidneys can further reduce risk. Consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and ongoing management is recommended.