Which hormone is classified as a lipid?

The hormone that is classified as a lipid is testosterone. Testosterone, like estrogen and cortisol, is a steroid hormone that is synthesized from cholesterol, a type of lipid. Lipid hormones are characterized by their hydrophobic nature, allowing them to easily pass through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. Upon entering the target cells, these hormones typically bind to specific intracellular receptors, which then influence gene expression.

Testosterone plays crucial roles in various physiological processes, such as the development of male reproductive tissues, secondary sexual characteristics, and maintaining various functions in both males and females.

While insulin is a peptide hormone that is water-soluble and not lipid-based, estrogen and cortisol are also steroid hormones derived from cholesterol. However, testosterone, in this context, is often highlighted as a primary example of lipid-derived hormones due to its significant functions and impact in both male and female physiology.