What type of lipids can include hormones like testosterone?

Hormones like testosterone fall under the category of steroids, which are a specific type of lipid characterized by a structure consisting of four fused carbon rings. This unique structure allows steroids to function effectively as hormones in the body, facilitating various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Steroids are distinct from other types of lipids, such as phospholipids, which primarily serve to form cell membranes, or waxes, which have a role in protective coatings and waterproofing. Sugars do not belong to the lipid category at all, as they are classified as carbohydrates. The hormonal properties of steroids are critical for understanding their biological importance, distinguishing them from the other forms of lipids that have various structural and functional roles in organisms.