Editing Steroid (section)

===By function===
{{expand section|A more detailed explanation of function would also be beneficial|date=January 2019|small=yes}}
The major classes of [[steroid hormones]], with prominent members and examples of related functions, are:<ref name="pmid24940130">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ericson-Neilsen W, Kaye AD |title=Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues |journal=Ochsner J |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=203–7 |date=2014 |pmid=24940130 |pmc=4052587}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/steroid_hormones_sex | title=International Journal of Molecular Sciences | access-date=12 February 2024 | archive-date=12 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212192445/https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/steroid_hormones_sex | url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Corticosteroid]]s:
** [[Glucocorticoid]]s:
*** [[Cortisol]], a [[glucocorticoid]] whose functions include [[immunosuppression]]
** [[Mineralocorticoid]]s:
*** [[Aldosterone]], a [[mineralocorticoid]] that helps regulate [[blood pressure]] through water and electrolyte balance
* [[Sex steroid]]s:
** [[Progestogen]]s:
*** [[Progesterone]], which regulates cyclical changes in the [[endometrium]] of the [[uterus]] and maintains a [[pregnancy]]
** [[Androgens]]:
*** [[Testosterone]], which contributes to the development and maintenance of male [[secondary sex characteristic]]s
** [[Estrogens]]:
*** [[Estradiol]], which contributes to the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics

Additional classes of steroids include:
* [[Neurosteroid]]s such as {{abbrlink|DHEA|dehydroepiandrosterone}} and [[allopregnanolone]]
* [[Bile acid]]s such as [[taurocholic acid]]
* [[Aminosteroid]] [[neuromuscular blocking agent]]s (mainly synthetic) such as [[pancuronium bromide]]
* [[Steroidal antiandrogen]]s (mainly synthetic) such as [[cyproterone acetate]]
* [[Steroidogenesis inhibitor]]s (mainly exogenous) such as [[alfatradiol]]
* Membrane sterols such as [[cholesterol]], [[ergosterol]], and various [[phytosterol]]s
* Toxins such as steroidal [[saponin]]s and [[cardenolide]]s/[[cardiac glycoside]]s

As well as the following class of [[secosteroid]]s (open-ring steroids):
* [[Vitamin D]] forms such as [[ergocalciferol]], [[cholecalciferol]], and [[calcitriol]]