Steroid hormone

Steroid hormones are Vitamin D derivatives are a sixth closely related hormone system with homologous receptors, though technically sterols rather than steroids.

Overview

The natural steroid hormones are generally synthesized from proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin or corticosteroid binding globulin. Further conversions and catabolism occurs in the liver, other "peripheral" tissues, and in the target tissues.

Because steroids and sterols are DNA sequences and induces transcription of its target genes.

Synthesis

Synthetic steroids and sterols

A variety of synthetic steroids and sterols have also been contrived. Most are steroids but some non-steroidal molecules can interact with the steroid receptors because of a similarity of shape. Some synthetic steroids are weaker, some much stronger, than the natural steroids whose receptors they activate.

Some examples of synthetic steroid hormones:

• Glucocorticoids: triamcinolone
• Mineralocorticoid: fludrocortisone
• Vitamin D: dihydrotachysterol
• Androgens: anabolic steroids)
• Estrogens: diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Progestins: medroxyprogesterone acetate