steroid hormone

noun

plural steroid hormones

: any of numerous hormones (such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol) that are produced in the body from cholesterol especially in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries and that have the chemical ring structure characteristic of steroids

One of the most important steroid hormones is cortisol or hydrocortisone, which is normally produced on a 24-hour cycle. In depressed patients that cycle is often disrupted, and the level of the cortisol in the blood remains high at times when it should be low.

—Lester Grinspoon et al.

The gonads produce sex steroid hormones that circulate during the early stages of embryonic development; these hormones sculpt the individual's masculine or feminine features.

—David Crews

also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as nandrolone and prednisone) that mimic the physiological effect of natural steroid hormones

Among the treatments used to suppress or counteract androgen production are birth control pills … and dexamethasone, a synthetic steroid hormone that suppresses adrenal activity.

—Natalie Angier

Examples of steroid hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And researchers recently demonstrated that a sensor can detect cortisol—a steroid hormone released when a person is under stress—in sweat. —IEEE Spectrum, 1 May 2019

The steroid injections work similarly to the natural steroid hormones released by adrenal glands (small glands located above the kidneys) in the body.2 When injected locally into a joint or muscle, steroids relieve pain, stiffness, and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024

Helps to produce lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones and hemoglobin. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Differential changes in steroid hormones before competition in bonobos and chimpanzees. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 1 July 2010

Modern elephant and ancient mammoth tusks are elongated upper incisor teeth, and only hold on to traces of testosterone and other steroid hormones. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

steroid hormone

noun

: any of numerous hormones (such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone) that are produced in the body from cholesterol especially in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries and that have the chemical ring structure characteristic of steroids

also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol, nandrolone, and prednisone) that mimic the physiological effect of natural steroid hormones