What are Steroids?

Steroids (also known as cortisone or corticosteroids) are hormones that occur naturally in the body. Steroids decrease inflammation, suppress the body's immune system, block DNA from being made, as well as block a chemical called histamine (released during an allergic reaction). Steroid medicines are man-made but are similar to these natural hormones. There are Five classes of steroid hormones: Androgens, Estrogens, Progestins, Mineralocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids. The type of steroids used to treat disease are called corticosteroids. They are different to the anabolic steroids which some athletes and bodybuilders use. Anabolic steroids have very different effects. Steroids are available as tablets, soluble tablets, and solutions, creams, ointments, inhalers, and injections. Steroid hormones are crucial substances for the proper function of the body. They mediate a wide variety of vital physiological functions ranging from anti-inflammatory agents to regulating events during pregnancy. They are synthesized and secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine glands such as the adrenal cortex and the gonads (ovary and testis). Steroid hormones are all characterized by the steroid nucleus which is composed of three six member rings and one five member ring, ingeniously labeled A, B, C, and D respectively. In discussing steroid hormones one is compelled to discuss cholesterol since it is the precursor for steroid hormones, as well as, bile acids and provitamin D. Cholesterol is a sterol which is a natural product derived from the steroid nucleus. Besides being the building block for steroid hormones, cholesterol is also a component of the cell membrane. It is thought that the cholesterol present in the cell membrane is responsible for allowing steroid hormones to enter the cell, bind to the hormone receptor, and ultimately to a specific site on the chromatin, in turn activating the gene in question. For more detail info,pls visit: http://www.newenergy-pharm.com