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Adrenal steroids are a class of hormones that regulate vital body functions. Hormones are chemicals produced in one organ in the body that then travel through the bloodstream to have an effect on organs elsewhere in the body. The steroids discussed in this chapter are produced by the adrenal glands, small organs weighing about one-sixth of an ounce that are located on top of the kidneys.
There are three types of adrenal steroids: mineralocorticoids, which maintain sodium and potassium...
Adrenal steroids are a class of hormones that regulate vital body functions. Hormones are chemicals produced in one organ in the body that then travel through the bloodstream to have an effect on organs elsewhere in the body. The steroids discussed in this chapter are produced by the adrenal glands, small organs weighing about one-sixth of an ounce that are located on top of the kidneys.
There are three types of adrenal steroids: mineralocorticoids, which maintain sodium and potassium balance in the body, glucocorticoids, and male sex steroids (although most male sex hormones are produced in the testicles). Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids are sometimes referred to jointly as corticosteroids, a term we do not use on this Web site. Male sex steroids (androgens) are also used, often illegally, as the so-called anabolic steroids used by athletes in the hope of enhancing performance. Our Web site only considers glucocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids affect carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, support normal heart and blood vessel function, influence mood and sleep patterns, and maintain normal muscle strength. They also inhibit the body’s inflammatory response to acute or chronic disease and infection. Prescription glucocorticoids are either identical to or a synthetic version of the adrenal hormones. They are given to either replace the body’s glucocorticoids when the adrenal glands are diseased or to suppress inflammation in diseases such as arthritis or asthma.
Glucocorticoids are taken in many different dosage forms. Nasal, ophthalmic (eye), topical (skin), and inhaler forms have been developed to deliver the drugs directly to the affected area, thus minimizing adverse effects. See section on oral (by mouth) and topical glucocorticoids; nasal glucocorticoids, and inhaled versions. Injectable forms of glucocorticoids as well as formulations for the ear also exist but are not discussed in this Web site. Some glucocorticoids have more than one formulation; we discuss the form that predominates in the marketplace.
