Steroid hormones include a broad group of hormones derived from cholesterol, and they regulate many critical functions. They are produced primarily in the adrenal cortex, gonads, and placenta, and include:
- Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)
- Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
- Androgens (e.g., testosterone)
- Estrogens (e.g., estradiol)
- Progestogens (e.g., progesterone)
Here’s a categorized list of diseases associated with steroid hormone imbalances:
🧠 Glucocorticoid (Cortisol) Disorders
🔺 Excess – Cushing’s Syndrome
- Cause: Excess cortisol (endogenous or exogenous).
- Symptoms: Central obesity, moon face, buffalo hump, skin thinning, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hypertension, diabetes, mood changes.
🔻 Deficiency – Addison’s Disease
- Cause: Primary adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol & often aldosterone).
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, salt craving.
💧 Mineralocorticoid (Aldosterone) Disorders
🔺 Excess – Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
- Cause: Aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia.
- Symptoms: Hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, muscle cramps.
🔻 Deficiency – Hypoaldosteronism
- Cause: Often seen in Addison’s disease or diabetic nephropathy.
- Symptoms: Hyperkalemia, hypotension, salt wasting.
♂️ Androgen Disorders
🔺 Excess – Hyperandrogenism
- In Females:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
- Androgen-secreting tumors
- Symptoms: Hirsutism, acne, virilization, menstrual irregularities.
- In Males:
- Early puberty in boys, aggressive behavior, excessive muscle mass (if exogenous).
🔻 Deficiency – Hypogonadism
- Cause: Testicular failure or pituitary dysfunction.
- Symptoms: Reduced libido, infertility, muscle loss, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, delayed puberty.
♀️ Estrogen Disorders
🔺 Excess – Estrogen Dominance
- Conditions:
- Endometriosis
- Estrogen-secreting tumors
- Fibroids
- Some forms of breast or endometrial cancer
🔻 Deficiency – Hypoestrogenism
- Conditions:
- Menopause
- Premature ovarian failure
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Symptoms: Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, mood swings, infertility.
🤰 Progesterone Disorders
🔻 Low Progesterone
- Associated with:
- Luteal phase defect (causing infertility)
- Risk of miscarriage
- Menstrual irregularities
🔺 High Progesterone
- Less commonly problematic alone, but can occur with:
- Progesterone-secreting tumors
- Certain phases of pregnancy or hormonal treatments
✅ Summary Table
| Hormone | 🔺 Excess (Diseases) | 🔻 Deficiency (Diseases) |
| Cortisol | Cushing’s syndrome | Addison’s disease |
| Aldosterone | Conn’s syndrome | Hypoaldosteronism |
| Androgens | PCOS, CAH, tumors | Hypogonadism |
| Estrogens | Fibroids, endometriosis, cancers | Menopause, premature ovarian failure |
| Progesterone | Rare (tumors) | Infertility, luteal phase defects |