Overview Properties solubility lipophilic insoluble in plasma transportation must circulate bound to globulin proteins changes in amount of globulin hormone alter the free hormone level but does not alter the total hormone level free hormone level is what determines end organ effects speed of action slow due to time for transcription/translation Mechanism hormone binds to receptor in cytoplasm (sex hormones, cortisol, and aldosterone) or nucleus (thyroid) resulting in a conformation change allowing DNA binding in the case of steroid hormones via zinc finger motifs hormone-receptor complex binds to enhancer-like element in DNA gene transcription is stimulated Examples progesterone estrogen testosterone cortisol aldosterone T3/T4