^

Health

A
A
A

Sexual Steroid Hormones

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 15.07.2022
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

By biological action, as well as the sequence and number of carbon atoms (18, 19, 21) in their molecules, sex steroids are divided into three main groups.

  • From 18 - estrogens (the main representative - estradiol, estrone, estriol).
  • With 19 - androgens (the main representative is testosterone).
  • With 21 - gestagens (the main representative is progesterone).

In the female body, the most important sex steroids are formed in the ovaries and adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy - in the placenta. The main sex steroids of the male body (androgens) are synthesized in the testicles and, in a small amount, in the adrenal cortex.

All sex steroids and hormones of the adrenal cortex are derived from cholesterol. Steroids are lipophilic, which causes their low solubility in water, so in blood 95% of steroid hormones are in a bound state with specific transport proteins. With the help of transport proteins, hormones are transferred to their target organs. Only free, non-protein-bound steroids have a biological effect. Steroid binding globulin (SSH) specifically binds estradiol and androgens with high affinity, while corticosteroid-binding globulin binds progesterone and glucocorticosteroids. In addition to its transport function, hormone-binding proteins protect steroids from metabolic inactivation along the way from the secreting gland to the target organ.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.