In humans and animals many physiological processes are controlled by steroids, such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, etc. These steroids are important in reproduction, cardiovascular health, neurological functions and in general health. On the contrary, steroids are also implicated in the development and/or progression of many diseases, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Furthermore, oxidative metabolism of steroids has been shown to form toxic metabolites that can initiate the the disease processes andaffect general health.
