lipid soluble: Steroid hormones

Steroid Hormones

Derived from cholesterol; each steroid hormone is unique due to the presence of different chemical groups attached at various sites on the four rings at the core of its structure

aldosterone

• Secreted by the adrenal cortex

• Increase blood levels of Na+ and water and decrease blood level of K+

cortisol

• Secreted by the adrenal cortex

• Increase protein breakdown (except in liver)

cortisol

stimulate gluconeogenesis and lipolysis

cortisol

provide resistance to stress

cortisol

dampen inflammation and depress immune responses

androgens

• Secreted by adrenal cortex

• Assist in early growth of axillary and pubic hair in both sexes

androgens

in females contribute to libido and are source of estrogen after menopause

calcitriol

Secreted by kidneys

calcitriol

Aids in the absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus

testosterone

Secreted by testes

testosterone

Stimulates descent of the testes before birth

testosterone

regulates spermatogenesis and promotes development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics

estrogen and progesterone

Secreted by ovaries

estrogen and progesterone

Together with gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary

estrogen and progesterone

regulate the female reproductive cycle

estrogen and progesterone

regulate oogenesis, maintain pregnancy, prepare the mammary glands for lactation and promote development and maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics