How do steroid receptors primarily exert their effects?

Steroid receptors primarily exert their effects by regulating gene expression. These receptors are intracellular proteins that, upon binding with their respective steroid hormones, undergo a conformational change. This change allows them to translocate to the nucleus of the cell, where they bind to specific DNA sequences called hormone response elements.

Once bound, they can either promote or inhibit the transcription of particular genes, which leads to an increase or decrease in the production of specific proteins. This mechanism of action results in various physiological effects, such as changes in metabolism, inflammation responses, and developmental processes.

The other options reflect different mechanisms of action that pertain to various types of receptors or biological processes but do not apply to steroid receptors. Therefore, regulating gene expression is the fundamental process by which these receptors mediate their effects within the body.