In today's era of health and fitness prominence, a diverse array of steroids and hormones has captured the attention of athletes, bodybuilders, and even the medical fraternity. This exposition aims to elucidate these compounds, shedding light on their attributes, applications, and distinctions.

1. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS):

Easily the most renowned in the steroid spectrum, AAS stands out for its prowess in amplifying muscle volume and bolstering athletic capacities. Essentially, they are fabricated replicas of testosterone – the male hormone instrumental in ushering masculine traits such as vocal depth, facial hair, and enhanced musculature. Typically administered orally or via injection, these are favorites among bodybuilding and athletic circles.

2. Corticosteroids:

Naturally birthed by the adrenal glands situated atop the kidneys, corticosteroids play a pivotal role in overseeing diverse bodily functionalities ranging from immune reactions to metabolic processes and stress adaptations. Their remedial applications span from addressing inflammation and allergies to treating autoimmune anomalies. These are often doled out in oral, injectable, or inhaler forms, the latter being prevalent for respiratory ailments like asthma.

3. Glucocorticoids:

A corticosteroid subtype, glucocorticoids predominantly target carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Their remedial prowess encompasses inflammation alleviation and respiratory ailment treatments, often distributed as inhalers.

4. Mineralocorticoids:

Yet another corticosteroid variant, mineralocorticoids cater primarily to the body's electrolyte and water equilibrium. Their therapeutic use is evident in conditions such as hypotension, fluid retention disorders, and certain kidney afflictions.

5. Sex Hormones:

Serving as the cornerstone for secondary sexual features, these hormones oversee traits like a man's beard growth or a woman's breast maturation. Among them, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone are pivotal. Their ingestion, predominantly via oral or injectable means, is common among sports and bodybuilding enthusiasts.

6. Progestins:

Artificially crafted hormones bearing semblance to progesterone, progestins are extensively deployed to tackle hormonal issues like erratic menstrual cycles or symptoms linked with menopause. Birth control prescriptions often contain these compounds.

7. Androgens:

Essentially male sex hormones, which include testosterone, they are instrumental in fostering masculine traits. Commonly consumed by athletes for performance enhancements, they can be ingested or injected.

8. Estrogens:

Female-centric hormones, majorly encompassing estrogen and estradiol, they champion female-specific traits. Their therapeutic applications cater to menstrual irregularities and menopausal syndromes.

9. Anabolic Agents:

These specialized compounds emulate AAS attributes but sidestep the associated adverse effects. Favored by sportspeople and bodybuilders, their intake can be oral or via injections.

10. Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides:

These compounds stimulate growth hormone discharge, vital for muscle tissue augmentation. A regular feature in athletic and bodybuilding regimes, they accentuate muscle development.

In Conclusion:

The realm of steroids and hormones is vast and intricate. Whether for medical remedies or athletic enhancements, a comprehensive grasp of these agents is essential for optimal outcomes. With scientific advancements, the possibilities in this domain continue to expand, paving the way for newer discoveries and applications.