This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Steroid biosynthesis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Steroid hormones are not stored prior to release and so must be synthesized de novo upon each new stimulus.

The precursor of all steroids is cholesterol which can be manufactured at most sites; the placenta is the exception, needing to absorb cholesterol from the blood prior to steroid biosynthesis.

In terms of the sex steroids, progestagens are precursors for androgens which are precusors for oestrogens.

This section is considered in terms of:

  • a generalized pathway of steroid biosynthesis
  • the pathways present in specific regions of the adrenal cortex

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.