Steroid Hormone Receptors

Steroid hormone receptors are specialized proteins inside cells that detect hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. When these hormones bind to their receptors, the receptors change shape and move to the cell nucleus. There, they influence gene activity, turning certain genes on or off. This process helps regulate many body functions such as growth, metabolism, immune response, and reproduction. Essentially, steroid hormone receptors act as molecular switches that translate hormone signals into changes in cell behavior, maintaining the body's internal balance and facilitating proper physiological functions.