The second type of steroids includes estrogen and progesterone – the hormones responsible for female sex characteristics and the maintenance of the female reproductive system. You’ll find these steroids in birth control medication.
The last type of steroids is the group that includes androgens. Also sometimes referred to as testosterone, androgens are responsible for the male gender characteristics and the maintenance of the male reproductive system. Androgens are used for medical purposes such as in the treatment of breast cancer, testosterone deficiencies, growth stimulation, weight gain, increased red blood cell production and other medical conditions. Because androgens inherently promote lean muscle growth, they are also sometimes referred to as anabolic steroids and are used as performance enhancing drugs (illegally).
Sources: |
