Sex steroid effects at target tissues: mechanisms of action

Our understanding of the mechanisms of sex hormone action has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Estrogens, progestins, and androgens are the steroid hormones that modulate reproductive function. Recent data have shown that many other tissues are targets of sex hormones in addition to classical reproductive organs. This review outlines new advances in our understanding of the spectrum of steroid hormone ligands, newly recognized target tissues, structure-function relationships of steroid receptors, and, finally, their genomic and nongenomic actions. Sex-based specific effects are often related to the different steroid hormone mileu in men compared with women. Understanding the mechanisms of sex steroid action gives insight into the differences in normal physiology and disease states.