Catalyzes the conversion of biologically active 11beta-hydroxyglucocorticoids (11beta-hydroxysteroid) such as corticosterone, to inactive 11-ketoglucocorticoids (11-oxosteroid) such as 11-dehydrocorticosterone, in the presence of NAD(+) (PubMed:7750480). Functions as a dehydrogenase (oxidase), thereby decreasing the concentration of active glucocorticoids, thus protecting the nonselective mineralocorticoid receptor from occupation by glucocorticoids (By similarity). 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 carbenoloxone. Steroid metabolism. Interacts with ligand-free cytoplasmic NR3C2. Highly expressed in the kidney. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.