Steroid hormones are
a group of structurally linked hormones. These organic compounds are
responsible for myriad and important physiological functions in the
body, including development and management of sex and growth
characteristics.
Steroid hormones
are lipophilic; meaning, they are lipid (fat)-soluble molecules. All
steroid hormones are also derived form cholesterol, with the latter
acting as the precursor for this group of hormones.
Steroid hormones are classified into five classes, namely: estrogens,
progesterones, mineralocorticoids,
glucocorticoids,
and androgens. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are sometimes
lumped together as corticoids.
Each of these steroid hormones fulfills different but equally important
functions in the body. The steroid hormones androgens and estrogens are
vital hormones in the sexual development and function in mammals.
Progesterones and estrogens are typically linked with the female
reproductive functions, such as menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Mineralocorticoids are largely involved in kidney functions, such as
excretion of salt and water. Glucocorticoids, meanwhile, are
responsible in lipid, carbohydrate, and protein
metabolism.
Steroid hormones
exert the above-mentioned functions by causing changes within the cell.
Because of their structural properties (i.e., fat-solubility) steroid
hormones can pass through the cell membrane to bind with specific
receptor found only in the cytoplasm of the target cell.
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