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
Health considerations: anabolic-steroid misuse can disrupt natural hormone balance, cause liver damage (especially with some oral
Legal and regulatory status: many steroids are controlled substances with prescription requirements; sports organizations ban non-therapeutic