Metabolism of steroid hormones. Steroid hormones are synthesized primarily in the adrenal gland and gonads. They regulate energy metabolism and stress responses (glucocorticoids), salt balance (mineralocorticoids), and sexual development and function (androgens and estrogens). Steroid Hormones are mainly metabolized in the liver and to a lesser extent in the kidney and intestinal mucosa. similarly, administration of few pharmacologic steroid hormones may be restricted in those with active liver disease. Based on the number of carbon atoms sex steroids are divided into three groups.