The complete set of biochemical pathways involving the synthesis, interconversion, conjugation, and eventual excretion of the primary sex hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This metabolic process, which occurs predominantly in the adrenal glands, gonads, liver, and peripheral tissues, dictates the final biological availability and activity of these critical endocrine signals. Healthy metabolism is essential for preventing hormonal imbalances.
Origin
This is a core term in biochemistry and endocrinology, originating with the identification of steroid hormones and their biosynthetic pathways in the mid-20th century. “Steroid” refers to the characteristic four-ring structure, and “metabolism” describes the body’s processing of these compounds. Understanding this process is fundamental to clinical hormone management.
Mechanism
Metabolism begins with cholesterol, which is converted to pregnenolone, the precursor for all steroid hormones. Key enzymes, such as 5-alpha reductase, aromatase, and various cytochrome P450 enzymes, catalyze the conversion between different active and inactive forms. The liver plays a critical role in conjugation, attaching groups like sulfates or glucuronides to prepare hormones for renal or fecal excretion.
Standardized wellness goals are biologically inequitable because individual pharmacogenomics dictate a unique metabolic response to any fixed protocol.
Wellness incentives related to tobacco use for spouses recognize and mitigate the profound endocrine and metabolic disruptions caused by tobacco exposure.
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