steroid

one of a group of compounds, resembling CHOLESTEROL , that are made up of four carbon rings fused together. The group includes the sterols (e.g. cholesterol), BILE acids, some HORMONES , and VITAMIN D . Synthetic versions act like steroid hormones and include derivatives of the glucocorticoids used as anti-inflammation agents for RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ; oral contraceptives, usually OESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE derivatives; and anabolic steroids, such as testosterone, used to treat OSTEOPROSIS and wasting.