A brief Introduction to Steroids

Steroids are biological molecules whose molecular structure is arranged in four rings. Steroids (fat-soluble) help convert the complex compounds of fat into simpler compounds. There are two categories of steroids developed in our bodies: corticosteroids and sex steroids. Corticosteroids are mainly formed in the adrenal cortex, and sex steroids are formed in the gonads and placenta. Other corticosteroids are of two types, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. Sex steroids are also of three types: progestogen, estrogens, and androgens. Vitamin D also works as a steroid in our body, as it has some characteristics similar to steroids (fat-soluble). 

Steroids 

Steroids are the biologically released hormones that help regulate the entire body’s metabolism. They also help regulate the immune system, balance of water and salt, and sexual characteristics of the human body. On the other hand, artificially manufactured hormones are also called steroids. They also work as natural steroids, but the difference lies between natural steroids made from enzymes and artificial steroids manufactured from chemicals. Although, the action of both types of steroids remains the same. 

Steroids (fat-soluble) 

Steroids in which the saturated and unsaturated fats get dissolved are called steroids (fat-soluble). Triglycerides, steroids, and fat-soluble vitamins are examples of steroids (fat-soluble). Steroids (fat-soluble) hormones can be mainly formed from cholesterol. The endocrine glands and organs produce these and then pass into the bloodstream so that they can reach various body parts of the human body. They work as an energy-giving compound in the body. 

How to lose fat from steroids

Let’s understand how to lose fat from steroids. 

Steroids are released by the endocrine glands and organs of the human body. They reach the target site by passing into the cell membrane near it. Most steroids which are released in the human body are fat-soluble. The phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane prohibits the entry of insoluble fat hormones into the body. 

After entering into the cell, the steroids get attached to the receptor, which is present on the cytoplasm of the cell of the target site. The receptor then sends the steroid to the nucleus, attaching it to the chromatin receptor. After attaching with the chromatin, the steroid facilitates the production of messenger Ribonucleic acid. If the function of steroids is to lose fat, then it produces the specific mRNA, which is encoded with information on reducing fat. The process of transferring information is called transcription. 

After that, the messenger Ribonucleic acid changes into complex substances and passes into the cytoplasm. After reaching the cytoplasm, this Ribonucleic messenger acid facilitates the production of proteins for the specific function. Those proteins help reduce fat. The process of production of proteins by mRNA is called translation.

Along with this, artificial steroids help produce serotonin and endorphins hormones which play a major role in losing weight. The deficiency of serotonin and endorphins hormone results in stress and depression, consequently resulting in the gaining of fat. So, by facilitating the production of serotonin and endorphins in the body, these steroids prevent the human body from gaining weight and help lose weight. 

Steroid (fat-soluble) hormones 

The gonads and adrenal gland form steroids (fat-soluble) hormones. The adrenal glands lie inside the kidneys. It contains two layers named the inner medulla layer and cortex layer. The outer lining of the cortex layer is responsible for the production of steroids (fat-soluble). 

Adrenal gland steroids (fat-soluble) 

Adrenal gland steroids are of three types:

• Aldosterone

Aldosterone steroid facilitates the absorption of sodium and water in the body. This steroid hormone helps regulate the blood pressure of the human body. It also helps maintain the balance of blood volume in the body. 

• Cortisol 

Cortisol steroid hormone helps regulate the whole mechanism of the body by facilitating the production of energy-giving glucose. The cortisol hormone derives the glucose from the non-carbohydrate sources present in the liver.  This hormone also works as an anti-inflammatory compound and helps deal with the body’s stress level. 

• Sex steroids hormones

The adrenal gland is also responsible for producing male sex hormones called testosterone and female sex hormone called estrogen in little amount in the body. 

Gonadal steroids (fat-soluble) 

Gonadal hormones are of three types:

• Testosterone

Testosterone is the male sex hormone produced in the testicles in the male body and a minimal amount in the female body’s ovary. It facilitates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in the male body. 

• Estrogens

Estrogen is the female sex hormone, which produces by the ovaries. It facilitates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in the female body.

• Progesterone

Progesterone hormone is produced in the ovary of the female body, which facilitates the uterine lining during pregnancy. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle in females. 

Conclusion 

Steroids play a significant role in the overall functioning of the human body. They are released by the glands and dissolve into the bloodstream. After dissolving, they reach the target site and perform specific actions. Steroids (fat-soluble) are also responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics in males and females. They also facilitate the process of reproduction. The deficiency of these hormones can be fulfilled by utilising artificial steroids. They perform the same actions that natural steroids do. However, the overconsumption of these hormones is sometimes bad for the body. But, still, they are used in various medications.