Final answer:
Steroid hormones are lipophilic and hydrophobic, allowing them to traverse cell membranes but requiring carriers in the bloodstream due to their water-repelling nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steroid hormones are defined by their lipid solubility, which allows them to pass through cell membranes and interact with intracellular receptors. Contrary to some water-soluble hormones, steroids are lipophilic and hydrophobic, meaning they are fat-soluble and tend to repel water. This characteristic is significant because it affects how these hormones circulate in the bloodstream and enter cells. While steroids can diffuse through cellular membranes, they require carrier proteins to be soluble in blood for transport purposes.