The Chemistry of Steroids

General Vocab (from muscle-talk) Anabolics - steroids that promote growth Androgens - steroids responsible for exerting masculinizing physical effects on the body Carbonyl Group - a functional group consisting of an oxygen double-bonded to any other atom, usually a carbon Cyclization - the process by which a linear molecule is formed into a ring Cyclopentane - a ring of five atoms Enzyme - a protein responsible for catalyzing a specific chemical reaction Glucocorticoids - steroidal compounds that are synthesized in the adrenal cortex Gonadal compounds - compounds that are synthesized in the gonads; the ovaries and testes Methyl Group - a functional group having the formula CH3. Three hydrogen atoms bonded to one carbon atom, which is bonded to some other atom Receptor - a cellular structure that is able to bind to steroids Substrate - the substance that the enzyme binds to in order to catalyze the reaction. The substrate is usually a reactant in the reaction.  The substrate is usually a steroid. Tetracyclic - a chemical structure composed of four fused rings

The entire identity of steroids and the way they act can change with just a small alteration in the structure of the steroid.  For example, if CH3 is added to C17, the conversion is called 17-alpha alkylation.  Just this addition of a methyl group causes serious liver problems for the user because the added CH3 makes it difficult for the liver to process the steroid into waste products.

A common chemical component of all forms of steroids is the four rings, as obviously illustrated below, which make a system of 17 carbons (C17).

Chemical Names of Various Steroids

Right are two diagrams of one of the most basic steroids, testosterone. Above is a basic two dimensional diagram of the substance, while the more complicated versiont tries to show the three dimensional aspect of the substance in more detail.

Injectable Steroids Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) Durabolin (nandrolone phenpropionate) Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) Equipoise (boldenone undecylenate)

Oral Steroids Anadrol (oxymetholone) Oxandrin (oxandrolone) Dianabol (methandrosternolone) Winstrol (stanozolol)

For information on a little-known type of steroids called neuroactive steroids, click here.

For more types of steroids and their diagrams, click HERE.

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