steroid synthesis

Steroid synthesis is the process by which bodies produce steroid hormones, like testosterone and cortisol, starting from a basic molecule called cholesterol. Within cells, enzymes modify cholesterol's structure through a series of chemical reactions, transforming it into different hormones. This process primarily occurs in organs such as the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. The synthesis involves converting cholesterol into intermediate compounds, which are then further processed to create specific steroid hormones that regulate functions like metabolism, immune responses, and reproductive processes.