Definition of steroid

The term "steroid" originates from the chemical structure of these compounds. Steroids are known as organic molecules that contain a four-ring structure called a cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. These cyclic structures are called steranes when they are found in nature, such as in the structure of cholesterol, a type of steroid found in animal cells. The word "steroid" was coined in the 1930s when scientists synthesized a new compound similar to cholesterol but lacking its biological activity. They added the prefix "stero-" referring to the steroid ring structure, and the suffix "-ide" indicating a non-active derivative. The first synthetic steroid compound was called "progesterone erst Nazareth." Later on, synthetic steroid compounds such as testosterone and cortisol were discovered and named based on their origin, whether they were derived from animal or plant sources. In sports and medicine, steroids refer to a specific class of steroid compounds, called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). AAS are synthetic compounds that mimic the male hormone testosterone and are used to increase muscle mass, enhance strength, and improve athletic performance. The use of AAS is, however, banned in sports and medical treatment due to their potential side effects, ranging from liver toxicity to heart disease and increased cancer risks. In summary, the term "steroid" originated based on its structural characteristics from a specific family of organic molecules and is now commonly used to refer to synthetic steroid compounds, such as steroids used in sports and medicine.