Steroid hormones are a group of hormones that are derived from cholesterol. These hormones are characterized by their structure, which includes four fused carbon rings, forming a steroid nucleus. They are lipophilic (fat-soluble) and can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. This property allows them to interact with intracellular receptors, primarily located in the cytoplasm or nucleus, to initiate cellular responses. Steroid hormones include important regulators of various physiological processes such as metabolism, immune response, and reproduction. The main types of steroid hormones include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, and corticosteroids. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a critical role in the body’s stress response by