Catalyzes the conversion of biologically active 11beta-hydroxyglucocorticoids (11beta-hydroxysteroid) such as cortisol, to inactive 11-ketoglucocorticoids (11-oxosteroid) such as cortisone, in the presence of NAD(+) (PubMed:7929304, PubMed:7588402). Functions as a dehydrogenase (oxidase), thereby decreasing the concentration of active glucocorticoids, thus protecting the nonselective mineralocorticoid receptor from occupation by glucocorticoids (PubMed:7929304, PubMed:7588402). Plays an important role in maintaining glucocorticoids balance during preimplantation and protects the fetus from excessive maternal corticosterone exposure (By similarity). Catalyzes the oxidation of 11beta-hydroxytestosterone (11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one) to 11-ketotestosterone (17beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,11-dione), a major bioactive androgen.Catalyzes the conversion of 11beta-hydroxyandrostenedione (11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione) to 11-ketoandrostenedione (androst-4-ene-3,11,17-trione), which can be further metabolized to 11-ketotestosterone. Converts 7-beta-25-dihydroxycholesterol to 7-oxo-25-hydroxycholesterol in vitro. 7-beta-25-dihydroxycholesterol (not 7-oxo-25-hydroxycholesterol) acts as ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) and may thereby regulate immune cell migration (By similarity). May protect ovulating oocytes and fertilizing spermatozoa from the adverse effects of cortisol (By similarity). an 11beta-hydroxysteroid + NAD(+) = an 11-oxosteroid + H(+) + NADH corticosterone + NAD(+) = 11-dehydrocorticosterone + H(+) + NADH cortisol + NAD(+) = cortisone + H(+) + NADH 11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one + NAD(+) = 17beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,11-dione + H(+) + NADH 11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione + NAD(+) = androst-4-ene-3,11,17-trione + H(+) + NADH Inhibited by glycyrrhetinic acid, carbenoloxone, 11-alpha-OH-progesterone and 11-beta-OH-progesterone. Steroid metabolism. Interacts with ligand-free cytoplasmic NR3C2. Highly expressed in the kidney and adrenal and at lower levels in the colon. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.