Synthesis of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones. Steroid hormones: the dangers of excess or deficiency

Steroid hormones are biologically active substances that are produced in various endocrine glands. They have a similar structure because they are produced from a common precursor - cholesterol. They also have the same principle of action on target cells.

This group includes corticosteroids and sex hormones. They regulate metabolism, affect reproductive function, and maintain the constancy of the internal environment of the body. Drugs containing steroids are used in many areas of medicine.

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Characteristics and biochemistry of steroid hormones

Steroid hormonesproduced in human endocrine cells. The source for their synthesis is cholesterol. After production, the substances enter the bloodstream and are delivered to distant target tissues, where they act as regulators of various processes occurring in the body.

Classification of steroids and place of their production:

Steroid hormones in the adrenal cortex and gonads are synthesized according to the same pattern. The path followed by the conversion of cholesterol in these organs depends on the activity of the enzymes present in them. If they are defective, the production of steroids is disrupted, which leads to hormonal imbalance and the development of pathology.

The production of steroids is under the control of overlying structures - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They produce releasing factors and tropic hormones that stimulate the functioning of the endocrine glands. There are also feedbacks. Most often, they are negative in nature - with an increase in the concentration of corticosteroids, androgens or estrogens, the production of regulatory substances in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus decreases, and with a decrease in the level of steroid hormones, their synthesis and secretion increases.

In the blood, most of the steroids are found in connection with transport proteins specific to each group and with albumin. This fraction is biologically inactive and represents a kind of reserve. Free forms of hormones can produce effects in the periphery.

Steroids have a nuclear mechanism of action, characteristic only of eukaryotes - living organisms whose cells contain a nucleus. They easily penetrate cell membranes inside, where they bind to receptors sensitive to them. The resulting complex enters the nucleus, where it interacts with sections of DNA and initiates a number of processes that contribute to the synthesis of certain proteins. Thus, under the influence of steroid hormones, a long-term and profound metabolic restructuring occurs.

Biochemistry of steroid hormones

Sex steroids

Conventionally, sex hormones are divided into male and female. However, both are synthesized in the body of both sexes, but in different quantities. The main place of their production is the gonads - testicles and ovaries. To a lesser extent they are produced by the adrenal cortex. Certain types of steroids are formed in peripheral tissues under the action of specific enzymes.

Androgens include:

dehydroepiandrosterone;
androstenedione;
testosterone;
dihydrotestosterone;
androstenediol.

Female sex hormones:

progesterone;
estradiol;
estrone;
estriol.

The production of steroids in the gonads is under the control of gonadotropin-releasing factor of the hypothalamus and luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating (FSH) hormones of the pituitary gland. The production of adrenal androgens is regulated by corticoliberin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Male hormones

The main androgen in men is testosterone. The main part of it is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles, and only a small proportion of the hormone (about 5%) is of adrenal origin. In the skin, liver and testicles, a more active form of testosterone is formed - dehydrotestosterone. This process is carried out under the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

In women, male hormones and their precursors are produced in peripheral tissues, the adrenal glands and the gonads. The main androgen is androstenedione, from which estrogens are subsequently synthesized.

The role of androgens in the body:

formation of male sex in the fetus;
initiation and regulation of puberty;
development of secondary sexual characteristics;
accumulation of muscle mass;
improving carbohydrate metabolism by increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin;
stimulation of red blood cell formation;
vasodilating effect;
increased libido, improved mood, influence on behavior and brain activity;
sources of estrogen in women.

Female hormones

The most active estrogen is estradiol. It is synthesized in the ovaries from androstenedione and in adipose tissue from testosterone under the action of the enzyme aromatase. Progesterone is produced in the adrenal glands and bloodstream from pregnenolone and pregnenolone sulfate, and in the second phase of the menstrual cycle the main site of its production is the corpus luteum. During pregnancy, the placenta also serves as a source of hormones.

Scheme of synthesis of estrogens from androgens

Biological significance of female steroids:

sexual development during puberty;
regulation of the menstrual cycle;
occurrence and prolongation of pregnancy;
slowing down the aging process;
preservation of bone mass;
maintaining normal skin structure;
influence on the blood coagulation system;
reducing the risk of coronary heart disease;
antidepressant effect;
improving memory and brain processes.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal cortex. Mineralocorticoids are formed in the zona glomerulosa, and glucocorticoids are formed in the zona fasciculata. Their production is regulated by pituitary ACTH and corticoliberin produced by the hypothalamus. Other factors also play an important role in controlling their secretion - stress, infections, the volume of fluid in the vessels, the concentration of the hormone vasopressin and the content of potassium and sodium in the blood.

The main representative of the glucocorticoid group is cortisol. Its effects in the body are as follows:

maintaining sufficient blood glucose levels;
anti-inflammatory effect;
resistance to stress;
maintaining water-salt balance.

The main mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Its secretion is more regulated by the renin-angiotensin system than by ACTH. As renal blood flow decreases and sodium levels decrease, renin production in the kidneys increases. A chain of reactions is launched, which ultimately stimulates the production of aldosterone. The hormone promotes sodium and water retention in the body and increases the excretion of potassium in the urine. Thus, its physiological role is to maintain normal electrolyte concentrations and sufficient fluid volume in the bloodstream.

Steroid drugs

In pharmacology, drugs of a steroid nature are used. There are medications containing testosterone esters, estrogen and progesterone derivatives, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. All of them are widely used in many areas of medicine.

Synthetic steroids come in various forms, making them convenient to take. They also produce local drugs that have a local effect and practically do not cause side effects. When a drug enters the bloodstream, it speaks of its systemic effects. In this case, the therapeutic effect is more pronounced, but unwanted reactions often occur.

Medicines containing testosterone

Testosterone in the form of Androderm patch

Testosterone is available in the form of solutions, implants, gels, patches, cheek forms and tablets. The most common means are for intramuscular administration, since they have a long-lasting effect, which allows them to be used once every 1-2 weeks or a month. While taking it, a more stable concentration of the hormone in the blood is maintained. Tablet forms are prescribed less frequently. Their effect is short-term and less predictable. And also with their use, toxic damage to the liver is possible.

Indications for the use of testosterone:

treatment of hypogonadism - a condition associated with insufficient secretion of androgens in the body;
delayed sexual development;
age-related androgen deficiency;
angioedema;
micropenis (in newborns).

List of drugs:

Anabolic steroid

Anabolic steroids enhance the synthesis of protein molecules in the body. Taking them increases performance, endurance, and increases muscle mass. The drugs help accelerate regenerative processes and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. They are available in solutions intended for intramuscular administration.

Medicines in this group are prescribed during the recovery period after serious illnesses, in exhausted and cancer patients (except for prostate and breast cancer), and in cases of extensive burns. Sometimes they are used in sports to achieve better results. But such use is illegal and may be accompanied by adverse reactions - liver damage, reproductive dysfunction.

Anabolic agents include:

Methandrostenolone (Danabol, Nerobol);
nandrolone decanoate (Retabolil);
nandrolone phenylpropionate.

Female sex hormone preparations

There are the following types of medications containing female sex hormones:

estrogens;
gestagens;
combination drugs.

Hormonal drugs are used to protect against unwanted pregnancy, prevent and treat hyperplastic processes in the endometrium, manifestations of hyperandrogenism, and as replacement therapy. Progestogens containing synthetic derivatives of progesterone are also used for insufficiency of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle to prolong pregnancy. They are available in tablets and in local forms - intrauterine devices, patches, creams, vaginal systems.

Modern drugs contain minimal doses of estrogens and highly selective gestagens. This allows you to achieve a pronounced therapeutic effect and reduce the number of unwanted reactions. A number of medications have additional benefits - they help remove excess fluid from the body, reduce high blood pressure, and effectively treat acne.

List of medications that contain female sex hormones:

Group of drugs	Name	Release form
Low-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs)	Diane-35, Yarina, Belara, Zhanine, Regulon, Marvelon	Pills
Microdosed COCs	Jess, Novinet, Logest, Mercilon
COCs containing analogues of natural estradiol	Claira, Zoely
Other COCs	NuvaRing	Vaginal releasing system
Gestagens	Duphaston, Norkolut, Utrozhestan, Charozetta	Pills
	Implanon NKST	Subcutaneous implant
	Mirena	Intrauterine releasing system
Combination drugs for replacement therapy	Klimonorm, Femoston 1/10 (2/10, 1/5), Angelique, Climodien, Cyclo-Proginova,	Pills
Estrogens	Estrofem, Proginova, Ovestin	Pills
	Divigel, Estrogel Gel	Gel
	Klimara	Patch
	Ovestin	Cream, candles

Corticosteroids

Glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammatory, allergic, systemic, autoimmune pathologies, and diseases of the hematopoietic organs. They have the following effects:

Corticosteroids used to treat diseases of the ENT organs

glucocorticoid;
anti-inflammatory;
antiallergic;
anti-shock;
immunosuppressive.

In ophthalmology, medications are used to treat diseases of the eyes and their appendages, in dermatology - to eliminate allergic reactions such as urticaria, dermatitis of various natures, and psoriasis. ENT doctors prescribe corticosteroids for diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Intra-articular administration of drugs is indicated for osteoarthritis, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. There are rectal suppositories with glucocorticoids that are used for hemorrhoids.

For the treatment of obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, inhalation forms are widely used, which patients inhale using inhalers. This helps minimize side effects associated with systemic steroid use. Tablet drugs are used to correct adrenal insufficiency, in severe cases of pulmonary pathology, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, systemic connective tissue lesions, and after organ transplantation. Intravenous forms of drugs are indispensable in acute shock conditions.

List of corticosteroid drugs, scope of application and release forms:

Application area	Name	Release form
Local forms
Ophthalmology	Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, Sofradex, Allergoferon, Maxitrol, Tobrazon, Maxidex	Eye drops, ointments
ENT diseases	Sofradex, Polydexa, Nasonex, Beconase, Nasobek	Nasal sprays, nasal and ear drops
Dermatology	Beloderm, Advantan, Lokoid, Fluorocort, Gioksizon, Akriderm, Triderm, Candide B	Ointments, creams, emulsions, sprays for external use
Rheumatology	Diprospan, Hydrocortisone, Depo-Medrol, Triamcinolone	Suspensions for intra-articular and periarticular administration
Proctology	Proctoseryl, Relief Ultra	Rectal suppositories
Pulmonology	Budesonide, Beclazone, Ingacort, Foradil Combi, Seretide, Pulmicort, Foster, Symbicort Turbuhaler	Powders, suspensions, aerosols and solutions for inhalation
Drugs that have systemic effects
Emergency medicine, allergic reactions, endocrinology, pulmonology, treatment of autoimmune and systemic diseases, digestive diseases, hematopoietic pathology, prevention of transplant rejection and other conditions	Prednisolone, Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, Cortef, Metipred, Dexazone, Solu-Cortef, Solu-Medrol, Solu-Decortin, DOXA, Polcortolon, Cortineff	Tablets, solutions for intramuscular and intravenous administration

Mineralocorticoids - Cortineff, DOXA, are used for replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency, hypotension and hypovolemia, adrenogenital disorders.

Drugs such as steroid hormones, or as they are popularly called steroids, are elements that control vital processes in the human body. It is especially important for people who monitor their health to learn the specifics of these drugs.

Where are they used?

Steroids are a very important link in the body of any person. The more competently the chain of their work is built, the healthier the human body. This change in the body is due to their strong impact.

You can hear about steroid drugs in sports circles, and most often they are used there. Anabolic steroids are especially popular in the following strength sports:

powerlifting;
Weightlifting;
crossfit.

Such drugs help achieve various goals, from gaining muscle mass to losing excess weight.

Adrenal steroids

The modern market is oversaturated with drugs and sports nutrition, and it is sometimes difficult to understand this wealth. The list of steroids can include several groups.

Adrenal steroids are a type of steroid that is generated by the body in the adrenal glands. These organs perform irreplaceable work and produce the following:

Hydrocortisone, or as it is more often called -. Also called glucocorticoid. Performs one of the key roles in metabolism - metabolism and blood pressure regulation. This hormone has many names, a popular one is “”. Cortisol is produced in the body during stressful situations (anxiety, anxiety, fasting, lack of sleep). Due to the production of cortisol, muscle fibers break down and immunity deteriorates. Therefore, this substance is considered negative due to its effect on the body; its production should be controlled.
Corticosterone is a substance responsible for the degradation of proteins. It also promotes the processing of amino acids into complex carbohydrates, which serve as fuel for the body and give it energy. It also helps the liver produce glycogen, which is found in muscles and is also used as a source of energy.
– this hormone is involved in blood pressure. This steroid also controls the value of potassium and sodium in the human body. It encourages the kidneys to absorb sodium and eliminate potassium from the urine if necessary.

Sex steroids

No less popular are sexual substances:

(androgen – male sex hormone) – the main androgen among the male genital organs is testosterone. Testosterone is produced by the male body in the testicles and performs important functions in the body. Testosterone is directly responsible for a man’s sexual characteristics, such as hair on the face, chest and other parts of the body, unlike women. This androgen makes the voice rough and gives it a baritone tone. Testosterone is also responsible for muscle development and sexual desire. All these functions are carried out by androgen.
Estrogens (female sex hormones) - these substances are produced by women by the follicular apparatus of the ovaries. The estrogen class includes three types of hormones: estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estrogens promote the development of the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, pigmentation in the area of the nipples and genitals. They increase the concentration of thyroxine, iron and copper in the blood. If there is a lack of estrogen in a woman’s body, there is a possibility of developing osteoporosis.

Anabolic steroids are steroids that cause androgenic activity in the human body and are similar in action to the male hormone testosterone.

Such drugs are often found in strength sports. Athletes use anabolic drugs to improve physical condition and athletic performance. This type of drug has an effect on muscle tissue and increases its volume due to increased metabolism and protein synthesis. Anabolic agents can also be prescribed to people suffering from dystrophy.

Known drugs

Drugs proven in sports circles are:

Hydrocortisone;
Dexamethasone;
Prednisone;
Estriol;
Prednisolone.

Before using these medications, you should consult your doctor.

Side effects

Steroid hormones (especially androgen) can also have negative effects on the body:

suppression of the production of your own testosterone;
liver tissue damage;
development ;
acne (blackheads);
increased blood cholesterol levels;
problems with the cardiovascular system;
increased blood pressure;
kidney problems;
mental disorders;
growth arrest;
prostate hypertrophy;
infertility;
blood clot formation.

The use of steroids requires utmost attention and scrupulousness from the individual. Steroid hormones have a comprehensive effect on the human body. You should not use untested hormonal drugs without consulting a specialist.

The synthesis of various steroid hormones from cholesterol is carried out by sequential enzymatic reactions. The main pathway of steroidogenesis, leading to the formation of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens and estrogens. The first step in the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is a reaction that occurs in all steroid-producing tissues. This stage limits the rate of synthesis of steroid hormones. Subsequent enzymatic reactions of steroidogenesis occur only in certain tissues.

There is no mechanism in the human body that promotes the accumulation of steroid hormones in cells. Only the hormonal precursor in the form of cholesteryl esters accumulates in significant quantities in steroid-producing cells. The steroid hormones synthesized in them quickly enter the bloodstream through the cell membrane, and, carrying out their hormonal regulation, are gradually eliminated from the body (in their active form, steroid hormones have a relatively short half-life).

Regulation of the synthesis of steroid hormones is carried out using peptide hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Corticotropin, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the secretion of corticosteroids (mineralkorticoids and glucocorticoids). Gonadotropins (follitropin and luteotropin), produced by the anterior pituitary gland, stimulate the synthesis of androgens and estrogens. In turn, GnRH, produced by the hypothalamus, controls the synthesis and release of pituitary gonadotropins.

The production of peptide hormones by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland depends on the concentration of controlled hormones in the blood and is regulated by a feedback principle. The entry of exogenous steroid hormones into the body at a rate exceeding the rate of synthesis of the corresponding endogenous steroid hormones almost completely suppresses the production of stimulating peptide hormones, which leads to the suppression of the mechanisms of synthesis of the corresponding endogenous hormones, and as a result, the overall hormonal balance in the body is disrupted.

One type of chemical synthesis of steroid hormones was proposed by I.V. Torgovy in 1984 and is used for industrial production in our time. The method is based on the condensation of bicyclic vinylcarbinols with cyclic 1,3-diketones into steroid diketones:

Depending on the starting components, the reaction takes place in methanol with or without an alkaline catalyst.

Type VII steroid dienones are the starting compounds for the production of hormonal steroids, primarily estrone and estradiol, as well as their derivatives, many of which have physiological effects. Moreover, the total synthesis route made it possible to obtain various stereoisomers of natural hormones of the estran series, which is important for studying the relationship of spatial structure with hormonal activity.

To move from compound VII to estrone derivatives, it is necessary to carry out the reduction of double bonds. This problem is solved by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of a palladium or nickel catalyst to form 14a-epimers with a reduced d14 double bond (XI).

With the formation of XII, a racemic mixture of isomers arises, the conversion of which into the optically active L-form is carried out by the culture of S. Cervisiae immobilized on a polyacrylamide gel.

Based on the estran derivatives that became available, it turned out to be possible to obtain numerous 19-norsteroids with anabolic and histogenic effects. Thus, from estradiol 3-methyl ester (XII) 19-nortestosterone (XX) is obtained through the intermediate product carbinol (XIX).

Nandrolone (Nortestosterone)

Pharmacological action - androgenic, anabolic. It binds to specific receptor proteins on the surface of cells of target organs, forms a receptor-nandrolone complex and, penetrating into the cell nucleus, causes activation of regulatory genes. Androgenic properties consist in the activation of a cascade of reactions that stimulates the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), structural proteins, increased tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscles with the accumulation of macroergs (ATP, creatine phosphate); increases muscle mass and reduces the amount of fat tissue. Accelerates the growth of male genital organs and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics of the male type. Stimulates the secretory activity of the male gonads (activation of the process of spermatogenesis), in large doses reduces the synthesis of endogenous sex hormones by inhibiting the production of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland (negative feedback). The anabolic effect is manifested by the activation of reparative processes in the epithelium, bone and muscle tissues as a result of stimulation of the synthesis of protein and structural components of cells. Increases the completeness of absorption of amino acids from the small intestine (against the background of a diet rich in proteins), creating a positive nitrogen balance. Stimulates the production of erythropoietin. It undergoes biotransformation in the liver and is excreted mainly in the urine.

Above are excerpts describing the action of nandrolone from the encyclopedia of drugs. To one degree or another, it is clear that this substance can serve as a good tool for building muscle mass and increasing strength. Moreover, it should be noted that it is a practically safe means. By its structure, nandrolone has a fairly weak androgenic effect, which means low suppression of endogenous testosterone production and minimal aromatization effect (conversion of excess testosterone into estrogens - female sex hormones). And as a result, in comparison with androgenic drugs, nandrolone promotes less fluid retention, which does not create high blood pressure. Nandrolone is not dangerous for the liver even at high dosages. In addition, the highly anabolic nature of the drug contributes to truly strong weight gain due to muscle mass and an increase in the user’s strength. All this has made nandrolone over the decades the most popular steroid used in professional (and not only) sports.

Nandrolone can have different effects, it all depends on the ester. If it is phenylpropionate, then the effect of the drug begins quite quickly, already on the 2nd - 3rd day, but it also ends just as quickly, so for effective use, men require at least two injections per week, women only need one. Nandrolone phenylpropionate can be used for weight gain and strength gains in combination with many other short- and long-acting anabolic or androgenic steroids. It is effective to include nandrolone phenylpropionate at the end of the cycle; in combination with highly anabolic drugs such as Winstrol, you can achieve a smooth exit and the ability to maintain the result longer. In Russia, this drug has long disappeared from pharmacy chains; previously its name was phenobolin. Today, you can only purchase the Indian version of nandrolone phenylpropionate in dosages of 50 and 200 mg. Of course, n.f. is produced. and in other places, but in Russia it is mainly “Indian phenyl” that is available. In our country, it is not counterfeited; ceramic firing, used as a label on bottles and ampoules, serves as a kind of protection. Nandrolone decanoate has a long-lasting anabolic effect. It is enough to do one injection per week to ensure constant working effect. The duration of action of one injection lasts at least two weeks. N.D. is one of the best means for building muscle mass and increasing strength indicators. The most effective use is in parallel with other anabolic or androgenic drugs. One of the best combinations is nandrolone decanoate and methandienone. Together, these drugs can work wonders, because... the effect of one steroid is enhanced by the effect of another. Nandrolone decanoate is an equally effective remedy for both advanced athletes in the practice of using steroids and novice users.

The main disadvantage of nandrolone, like many steroids introduced into the human body, is feedback, that is, inhibition of the activity of the glands that are responsible for the synthesis of this hormone in the body. Other steroids (mostly taken orally) contain a methyl group at C17, which allows the substance to be metabolized in the body, thereby prolonging its effect. The breakdown of such anabolic steroids occurs in the liver, and this methyl group harms the cells of the organ, which causes a hepatotoxic effect. Also, steroids can aromatize in the liver, forming estrogens, which can lead to various disorders, including changes in primary sexual characteristics (gynecomastia in men). At the same time, the introduction of male hormones into the female body causes androgenization: active growth of body hair, deepening of the voice.

Steroid hormones are a group of biologically active substances produced by the human body and influencing many life processes.

In a normal state, a healthy body independently synthesizes steroids, thereby meeting its needs completely. But in some cases, the amount of hormones produced may be insufficient or excessive. Then medication correction is required to ensure the person’s life activity within normal limits.

In the body, steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, namely:

in the adrenal cortex;
in the testes (in Leydig cells);
in the follicular cells of the ovaries;
in the placenta.

These substances are highly lyophilic, due to which they easily penetrate through cell membranes into the blood and go in search of target cells.

Steroids produced in different glands have their own purpose and are responsible for different functions in the human body.

Corticosteroids are produced by the adrenal cortex. These are glucocorticoid hormones - cortisone, corticosterone. And also mineralocorticoids - deoxycorticosterone, .
, that is, female sex hormones, are mainly produced in the ovaries. This is estriol, estrol (folliculin), .
Androgens, male sex hormones, are synthesized in the testes in men and in much smaller quantities by the adrenal cortex in women. This is (androgen), androsterone, methyltestosterone.

Our body can produce different amounts of hormones. If their level is sufficient, then there will be no failures in the processes for which they are responsible.

With excessive or insufficient production, pathologies arise that need to be corrected with the help of medications.

Hyperaldosteronism. The adrenal cortex produces excessive amounts of aldosterone, which affects sodium-potassium metabolism. Pathology can be primary and secondary. The primary reason is a change in the adrenal cortex itself, the secondary reason is disturbances in other organs and tissues.
Chronic adrenal insufficiency () is a severe chronic disease caused by insufficient synthesis of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex. Almost all organs and systems of the body are affected. Men and women aged 20 to 40 years suffer from this pathology.

– pathological conditions arising as a result of hypercotrizism. The adrenal cortex secretes high amounts of cortisol and causes a number of associated diseases with different clinical manifestations. It should be differentiated from Itsenko-Cushing's disease (). It may also develop as a result of long-term treatment with glucocorticoids.
Impaired androgen synthesis: 5-a-reductase deficiency is a congenital pathology that affects only men. It is also called pseudohermaphroditism. A child is born with male gonads, but the genitals are female.

This method, such as the use of synthetic hormones in medical practice, is used to correct insufficient synthesis of steroids. In case of hyperfunction, specific drugs of another group are prescribed.

Hormonal drugs - indications and contraindications

Synthetic steroid hormones, like no other, have their own characteristics and should be used only after a full examination. The attending physician prescribes therapy and regularly monitors the patient's condition. In addition, the specialist will take into account all possible risks of side effects and contraindications in each specific case.

Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The following drugs containing steroid hormones are prescribed:

anastrazole (arimidex);
letrozole (Femara);
exemestane (aromasin).

They are used in complex therapy and give good results, but they have side effects, expressed in attacks of nausea, redness of the skin, joint pain, and vaginal dryness. Long-term use may cause bone fragility. To prevent this phenomenon, calcium and vitamin D supplements are prescribed. If there is a history of osteoporosis, then this treatment is not suitable.

Among the well-known and most used are the following:

Hydrocortisone;
Dexamethasone;
Prednisole;
Prednisolone;
Estriol.

They are also used to recover from severe and long-term illnesses and in sports as doping. Have the following effect:

accelerate the regeneration of all body tissues;
increase appetite;
promote muscle gain by reducing the amount of fatty tissue;
improve the accumulation of phosphorus and calcium in bones and teeth;
increase the performance and endurance of the body, reduce or completely disappear the feeling of fear, increase cognitive functions and brain activity.

Possible side effects

But uncontrolled or unjustified use of hormonal drugs can lead to unwanted side reactions of the body:

acne, acne;
hypertension;
increased irritability, unmotivated mood swings, tendency to depression;
increased cholesterol levels and associated atherosclerosis;
in men - impotence, testicular atrophy, decreased secretion and quality of sperm, infertility, enlarged mammary glands;
swelling due to fluid accumulation.

Contraindications include:

young age, if the use of the drug is not the only way out of the situation;
for diseases of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system;
the presence of tumors of various origins.

Taking corticosteroid drugs should be justified and in no case independent. They are used only as prescribed by a doctor and with constant monitoring of the patient's condition. Only then will hormone therapy bring the desired result.

Bibliography

Wunder P.A. The principle of plus-minus interaction and regulation of prolactin function of the pituitary gland
Al-Shoumer K.A.S., Page B., Thomas E., Murphy M., Beshyah S.A., Johnston D.G. Effects of four years" treatment with biosynthetic human growth hormone (GH) on body composition in GH-deficient hypopituitary adults // Eur J Endocrinol 1996; 135:559-567.

1. First, cholesterol is released from lipid droplets and transferred to mitochondria, where non-esterified cholesterol forms complexes with proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

2. Formation of a key hormone precursor, pregnenolone, which leaves the mitochondria.

3. Progesterone formation. The process takes place in the microsomes of the cell.

Progesterone produces two branches: corticosteroids and androgens. Corticosteroids give rise to mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, and androgens give rise to estrogens.

II. Synthesis of protein-peptide hormones.

The synthesis of polypeptide hormone consists of 2 stages:

1. Ribosomal synthesis of an inactive precursor on an mRNA template.

2. Post-translational formation of the active hormone.

Post-translational activation of hormonal precursors can occur in 2 ways:

1. Multi-stage enzymatic degradation of molecules of large-molecular precursors with a decrease in molecular size.

2. Non-enzymatic association of prohormonal subunits with enlargement of the activated hormone molecule.

The first form of activation of peptide hormone precursors is characteristic of insulin, parathyroid hormone, and angiotensin.

Let's look at this process using insulin as an example. At the first stage, a short-lived single-chain peptide consisting of 104–110 amino acid residues is synthesized on polysomes of -cells. This peptide is called preproinsulin and has no biological activity:

The signal and insertion fragments are variable among different animal species. In the cisternae of the rough reticulum, preproinsulin undergoes proteolysis from the N-terminus, resulting in the cleavage of a 23-membered signal peptide, which “pulls” the prohormone through the membrane. Preproinsulin is converted to proinsulin, which has very low biological activity. Then enzymatic cleavage of the insertion fragment occurs and proinsulin, the A and B chains are connected by disulfide bonds.

Synthesis scheme:

mRNA gene preprohormone prohormone

Hormone A

III. Synthesis of hormones derived from amino acids.

1. Synthesis of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine)

2. Biosynthesis of thyroid hormones

The synthesis process consists of the following stages:

1. Fixation of blood iodides by the gland and their oxidation to elemental iodine.

2. Synthesis of a specific protein - thyroglobulin and iodination of its tyrosine residues.

3. Formation of hormonal iodothyronines from iodinated tyrosine residues on the thyroglobulin molecule.

4. Cleavage of thyroid hormones from protein.

Lack of iodine leads to insufficiency of the thyroid gland in the form of endemic goiter (overgrowth of the gland, delayed growth and development, impaired thermoregulation).

Biosynthesis of melatonin.

Melatonin is formed from tryptophan in the parenchymal cells of the pineal gland - pinealocytes.

Secretion of hormones.

Hormone secretion is a set of processes that determine the release of biosynthesized hormonal compounds from endocrine cells into the venous blood and lymph.

Secretory cells can be divided into 3 types:

1. Release of hormones from cellular secretory granules (secretion of protein-peptide hormones and catecholamines).