A steroid is any of a class of natural or synthetic organic compounds characterized by a molecular structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged around four rings. Steroids are important in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Steroid abuse is common in athletes in professional sports. Get information on types of steroids (anabolic, androgenic), their side effects and addiction. A steroid is an organic compound with four fused rings (designated A, B, C, and D) arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes that alter membrane fluidity; and as signaling molecules.
