steroidsare

Steroids are a large class of organic compounds characterized by a core structure of four fused rings. They occur naturally in animals, plants, and fungi and include hormones, vitamins, and bile acids. The most familiar steroids are steroid hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone, which regulate development, metabolism, immune function, and electrolyte balance. Cholesterol serves as a precursor in the biosynthesis of many steroids and also functions as a structural component of cell membranes.

Steroids are commonly grouped into corticosteroids, gonadal (sex) steroids, and synthetic or anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids produced by the adrenal cortex have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects and are used medicinally to treat asthma, dermatitis, and autoimmune diseases. Gonadal steroids control sexual development and reproduction. Anabolic steroids, a class of synthetic derivatives of testosterone, are used medically to treat conditions such as muscle-wasting diseases but are also misused for performance enhancement and physique improvement; their non-prescribed use is illegal in many jurisdictions.

Health considerations: anabolic-steroid misuse can disrupt natural hormone balance, cause liver damage (especially with some oral forms), cardiovascular risks, mood and behavioral changes, infertility, and dependence. Therapeutic use requires medical supervision and careful dosing to minimize adverse effects.

Legal and regulatory status: many steroids are controlled substances with prescription requirements; sports organizations ban non-therapeutic use and conduct drug testing.