What is the primary action of steroid hormones?

The primary action of steroid hormones is to enter the cell and affect DNA. This process is fundamental to how these hormones operate, as they are lipid-soluble and can easily diffuse through the cell membrane. Once inside the cell, steroid hormones bind to specific intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex that translocates to the nucleus. There, this complex interacts with DNA to regulate the transcription of specific genes, ultimately leading to changes in protein synthesis and various cellular functions.

This mechanism allows steroid hormones to exert their effects over a relatively long duration, influencing processes such as metabolism, inflammation, immune function, and development. This action distinguishes steroid hormones from other types of hormones that typically bind to receptors on the cell surface and activate signaling cascades that do not directly influence gene expression.