Steroids have several functions within the human body. Among those that emphasize the regulation of different functions of the organism such as the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. It regulates the balance of electrolytes and homeostasis (metabolism), which regulates the functions that exist within the body and the water levels in the body's cells.
It also regulates the levels of the cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal system and nervous system.
Regulatory function:
Some regulate the salt levels and the secretion of bile, as well as the amount of water in the cells, and in general in the organism, generating a state of homeostasis.
Structural function:
Cholesterol is a steroid that is part of the structure of cell membranes. from the cholesterol the other steroids are synthesized, in the human body
Hormonal function:
The steroid hormones are: corticosteroids, male hormones (androgens), female sex hormones, vitamin D and others.
What are steroids for?
In medicine they are used in the treatment of conditions that occur when the body produces a low amount of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some kinds of sexual impotence.
They are also prescribed as a treatment for patients with AIDS and degenerative diseases that cause muscle wasting
and in cases such as lack of vitamin D, (which is a steroid), in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, lupus, type 1 diabetes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, certain types of cancer and even dementia.
The most abundant androgen in men is testosterone, produced primarily in the testes. Testosterone, as well as estrogen, is a powerful regulator of metabolism, testosterone is a beneficial hormone, since it increases recovery and muscle strength, as well as the body's metabolism to increase its muscle mass, regulates the amount of fat of the body.