<P> For steroid or thyroid hormones, their receptors are located inside the cell within the cytoplasm of the target cell . These receptors belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand - activated transcription factors . To bind their receptors, these hormones must first cross the cell membrane . They can do so because they are lipid - soluble . The combined hormone - receptor complex then moves across the nuclear membrane into the nucleus of the cell, where it binds to specific DNA sequences, regulating the expression of certain genes, and thereby increasing the levels of the proteins encoded by these genes . However, it has been shown that not all steroid receptors are located inside the cell . Some are associated with the plasma membrane . </P> <P> Hormones have the following effects on the body: </P> <Ul> <Li> stimulation or inhibition of growth </Li> <Li> wake - sleep cycle and other circadian rhythms </Li> <Li> mood swings </Li> <Li> induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death) </Li> <Li> activation or inhibition of the immune system </Li> <Li> regulation of metabolism </Li> <Li> preparation of the body for mating, fighting, fleeing, and other activity </Li> <Li> preparation of the body for a new phase of life, such as puberty, parenting, and menopause </Li> <Li> control of the reproductive cycle </Li> <Li> hunger cravings </Li> </Ul> <Li> stimulation or inhibition of growth </Li>

How are protein hormones produced by a cell