Which hormone group typically has a more immediate effect on the body?

Nonsteroid hormones typically have a more immediate effect on the body compared to other hormone types. This is primarily due to their mechanism of action. Nonsteroid hormones, which include peptides and amines, are generally soluble in water and bind to receptors on the surface of target cells. This binding activates second messenger systems (such as cyclic AMP) within the cell, leading to rapid cellular responses.

In contrast, steroid hormones and thyroid hormones, which are lipid-soluble, usually enter cells and bind to intracellular receptors. This process often requires a longer time to result in significant physiological changes because it involves gene transcription and the synthesis of new proteins, thus delaying their effects. While sex hormones can also be steroid hormones, they often do not act as swiftly as nonsteroid hormones. Therefore, nonsteroid hormones are recognized for their capacity to elicit quick responses to physiological signals.