Steroids

class of lipids having a particular molecular ring structure called the cyclopentanoperhydro-phenanthrene ring
system. Steroids differ from one another in the structure of various side chains and additional rings. Steroids are
common in both plants and animals. In humans, steroids are secreted by the ovaries and testes, the adrenal cortex
(see adrenal gland), and the placenta.
The range of steroids is diverse, including several forms of vitamin D, digitalis, sterols (e.g., cholesterol), and the
bile acids. Many steroids are biologically active hormones that control a number of the body's metabolic
processes. This group includes the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormones estrogen and
progesterone. The steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex include glucocorticoids such as cortisone and cortisol
(see also corticosteroid drug) and mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone.
Natural or synthetic steroids are used in oral contraceptives and in the treatment of arthritis, Addison's disease,
and certain skin ailments. Side effects, related to dosage and length of treatment, can be serious and include high
blood pressure, edema, unwanted hair growth, and menstrual cycle disruption. Anabolic steroids, male hormones
given to build up strength in seriously ill patients, have been abused by bodybuilders and athletes in an attempt to
increase muscle mass and strength.

Steroid: A general class of chemical substances that are structurally related to one another and share the same
chemical skeleton (a tetracyclic cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene skeleton).

Many hormones, body constituents, and drugs are steroids. Thus, the term steroid may carry many meanings. For
example, steroids may refer to the corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone used to reduce swelling, pain, and
other symptoms of inflammation. Vitamin D is a steroid, too, one that is necessary to normal health. The male
hormone testosterone and its derivatives are steroids with anabolic effects that can be used medically (or illicitly)
to build up muscle mass.

Cholesterol is yet again another steroid. In fact, the word steroid was coined in 1926 to refer to compounds like
the sterols (as in cholesterol).