Difference Between Testosterone and Steroids

Testosterone vs Steroids

Hormone is a secretion of ductless gland that can regulate physiological, morphological and biochemical actions upon the release and transportation to target cells or organs through the blood stream. Hormones can be classified into three categories based on their chemical nature; (1) Amines (amino acid derivatives), (2) Proteins and polypeptides, and (3) Steroids. Steroid hormones include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones (testosterone and progesterone) and Vitamin D.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone which is basically produced in the male testes and female ovaries. In addition, both sexes produce minute amount of testosterone in the adrenal glands. This hormone is a 19-carbon hormone which belongs to hormone category called androgen. Normally, each adult male produces around 7 mg of testosterone each day. Unlike the males, females produce as little as 0.47 mg per day so that the effect of testosterone is very low in them.

When all testosterone is secreted into the blood stream, 96 to 98% of all hormone molecules will be bound to plasma proteins called albumin and globulin. The rest of 2 to 4% is called ‘free testosterone’, which believes to be involved in active functions of the hormone. Regulation of testosterone depends on the amount of testosterone in the blood and the binding capacity of plasma proteins.

The main function of testosterone is to regulate physiological changes of males during the puberty, including growth of penis, scrotum and testes, enlargement of larynx, production of functional sperms, etc.

Steroids

Steroid hormones include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones (testosterone and progesterone) and Vitamin D. These hormones are hydrophobic substances and are derived from cholesterol.

Usually body has very little storage of steroids. Instead, it has precursor cholesterol and intermediate substances. When steroids are required, these precursor molecules convert to steroids through the enzymatic reactions and release into the bloodstream through simple diffusion.

What is the difference between Testosterone and Steroids?

• Testosterone is a steroid hormone.

• Steroid hormones include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones (testosterone and progesterone) and Vitamin D.

• Unlike the other steroids, testosterone regulates the physiological and morphological features in male especially during the puberty.

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