Pheromones hormones relation

[haszu]

As stated

in Integrating Neuroendocrinology and Ethology:
"Pheromones are referred to as ecto-hormones: chemical messengers

that are transported outside the body that have the potential to evoke certain responses, such as physiological

(e.g., hormonal) or behavioral changes in a conspecific".

So, pheromones are signalers that evoke changes in

hormone levels of other people and the wearer, but - are they itself (alone) hormones?
I mean, is androsterone,

androstenone, androstenol, androstadienone or estratetraenol (as a compound) a hormone?

I am asking because of my

concerns to use these chemicals in cosmetics, where usage of hormones is not allowed.

AFAIK, androsterone IS a

hormone, but it can be also called a DHEA metabolite.

For sure estriol is a hormone, but when used in a spray

perfume, not a medicine cream, it can't have the same effect when rubbed into skin.

How can we classify these

compounds?

[jvkohl]

How can we

classify these compounds?

I asked haszu to post his questions to the Forum. He has some background in

this arena. But I think we need to hear from Forum members who have some background in steroid hormone metabolism.

Still willing to hear from anyone in this regard, as all thoughts should be

considered.

JVK