Do steroids make you tired
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Do Steroids Make You Tired?
Steroids are widely used in medical treatments for various conditions, but their impact on fatigue is complex and multifaceted. This article synthesizes research findings on the relationship between steroid use and fatigue, drawing from multiple studies.
Steroid-Induced Fatigue in Cancer Patients
Cancer-Related Fatigue and Steroid Therapy
Steroids are often prescribed to alleviate fatigue in cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. However, the efficacy and safety of this practice are debated. A phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the use of low-dose dexamethasone (DEX) in patients with advanced solid malignancies. The study found no significant differences in fatigue reduction or quality of life improvements between the DEX and placebo groups, suggesting that low-dose DEX may not be effective in mitigating chemotherapy-associated fatigue .
Adverse Effects Leading to Fatigue
Steroid therapy can sometimes exacerbate fatigue due to its side effects. In terminally ill cancer patients, steroids have been reported to aggravate fatigue through mechanisms such as steroid-induced depression, myopathy, and hyperglycemia. For instance, in one case, a patient experienced worsened fatigue due to steroid-induced depression, which improved after discontinuing steroids and starting antidepressants. Another patient developed muscle weakness and myalgia from steroid-induced myopathy, and a third patient experienced fatigue due to steroid-induced hyperglycemia .
Steroids and Sleep Deprivation
Impact on Hormone Levels and Fatigue
Sleep deprivation studies have shown that prolonged lack of sleep can significantly lower levels of various unconjugated steroids, such as cortisol and dihydrotestosterone. This hormonal imbalance is associated with increased self-reported fatigue. After recovery from sleep deprivation, hormone levels and fatigue symptoms typically return to baseline, indicating a strong link between steroid levels and fatigue .
Neuroactive Steroids and Pregnancy Fatigue
Correlation with Fatigue in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience significant fatigue, which has been linked to neuroactive steroids. Research involving pregnant women found a significant correlation between fatigue and the presence of neuroactive steroid-like activity in plasma samples. This suggests that neuroactive steroids may play a role in the widespread fatigue experienced during pregnancy, although the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear .
Anabolic Steroids and Muscle Fatigue
Protective Effects Against Exercise-Induced Fatigue
Anabolic androgenic steroids, such as stanozolol, are known to enhance muscle mass and strength. Research on rats has shown that stanozolol treatment can decrease mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative stress induced by acute exercise. This reduction in oxidative stress helps preserve mitochondrial function and reduces muscle fatigue, indicating that anabolic steroids may protect against exercise-induced fatigue .
Conclusion
The relationship between steroids and fatigue is complex and varies depending on the type of steroid, the condition being treated, and individual patient factors. While some steroids may exacerbate fatigue through side effects like depression and hyperglycemia, others, such as anabolic steroids, may reduce fatigue by protecting against oxidative stress. Understanding these nuances is crucial for optimizing steroid therapy and managing fatigue in patients.
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