How is steroid hormone production different in the adrenal glands and gonads?

Steroid hormone production in the adrenal glands and gonads shares a common embryonic origin and metabolic pathway, as both tissues derive all their steroid hormones from cholesterol. In both systems, cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone within the mitochondria, followed by conversion into progesterone in the endoplasmic reticulum.123

The primary differences lie in the specific enzymes present and the resulting hormonal products:

• Adrenal Glands: The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) for metabolic regulation and mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone) for salt and water balance. While it also produces small amounts of androgens, its primary output is distinct from the gonads.124
• Gonads: The testes and ovaries primarily synthesize sex hormones. The testes convert progesterone into androgens like testosterone, while the ovaries further modify androstenedione into estrogens such as estradiol.415

Additionally, these processes are regulated by different signals: adrenal steroidogenesis is stimulated by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) or angiotensin, whereas gonadal production is driven by follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.3