Steroid facts for kids

A steroid is a organic compound, either natural or man-made, which has four cycloalkane rings in its structure.

Steroid hormones are steroids which act as hormones in the body. Natural steroid hormones are usually made from cholesterol in the adrenal glands and gonads. Cholesterol is a plentiful steroid in animal cells: it is important for cell membranes.

Examples of steroid hormones include

• estrogen,
• testosterone,
• progesterone,
• Vitamin D₃ or cholecalciferol.

One review noted: The adrenal gland hormones play a vital role in adapting to "ever-changing environmental and emergency situations, and help vertebrates in their successful survival".

Synthetic steroids

Prednisone is an important man-made steroid medication, used to treat inflammation. Certain anabolic steroids, such as testosterone, are used as drugs to help make muscles stronger.

Related pages

• Doping in sport
• Adrenal gland

Images for kids

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  A gonane (steroid nucleus)

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  Medrogestone, a synthetic drug with effects similar to progesterone