Is thyroid hormone a steroid hormone?
Sep 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Thyroid hormones are generally not steroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are responsible for maintaining metabolic activity in the human body and belong to the class of peptide hormones. They are primarily formed through the activation of iodine into iodinated tyrosine, which then undergoes a series of transformations within thyroid epithelial cells—such as through triiodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine, and monoiodotyrosine—to ultimately form thyroid hormones. Whether secreted in excess or deficient amounts, thyroid hormones can lead to clinical symptoms in humans.
Thyroid hormones are generally not steroid hormones.
Human hormones can typically be classified into steroid hormones, sulfonamide hormones, protein hormones, amino acid-derived hormones, and peptide hormones. Among these, thyroid hormones are responsible for maintaining metabolic activity in the body and belong to the category of peptide hormones. They are primarily formed after iodine is activated into iodinated tyrosine, which then undergoes a series of transformations within thyroid epithelial cells—such as diiodotyrosine, triiodotyrosine, and monoiodotyrosine—to ultimately form thyroid hormones. Abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones, whether too high or too low, can lead to clinical symptoms. For example, decreased secretion results in a hypometabolic condition, known as hypothyroidism. Conversely, excessive secretion may cause hyperthyroidism. Therefore, only when thyroid hormone levels remain within the normal range can the body function properly.
Steroid hormones mainly include sex hormones and adrenal cortical hormones. Sex hormones promote the development of sex organs and maintain secondary sexual characteristics, while adrenal cortical hormones help regulate water and electrolyte metabolism and suppress increases in blood glucose levels.
