steroids (singular, steroid): the general or generic name for physiological compounds comprising, among others, sex hormones and adrenocortical hormones, and other body chemistries.

Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index

Steroids can be divided into two groups;
Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids.

Anabolic steroids affect muscle growth and metabolism. Corticosteroids are the body's own anti-inflammatory chemicals. Synthetic analogues of this type of steroid have been produced and are prescribed for the treatment of diseases such as asthma and types of arthritis.