A Few Questions About Neurosteroids

[physicalism]

1. How exactly does Finasteride lower neurosteroids like allopregnanolone? Is it through the inhibition of 5ar enzymes, or through the subsequent lowering of DHT?

2. Do women, in general, have lower levels of neurosteroids than men?

3. Do you think some brains are able to successfully adapt to the reduction in neurosteroids by either increasing the number of receptors in the brain or upregulating existing ones? Is this even scientifically plausible?

4. Do you think taking an SSRI that has been found to increase allopregnanolone levels would counteract any reduction in allopregnanolone Finasteride would cause?

5. Do you think the lack of any noticeable side effect is a good indicator that no damage is being done?

 

[SuperDPAsteve]

1. How exactly does finasteride lower neurosteroids like allopregnanolone? Is it through the inhibition of 5ar enzymes, or through the subsequent lowering of DHT?

Both AFAIK

2. Do women, in general, have lower levels of neurosteroids than men?

What a sexist conclusion to draw. But yes. They also have different levels of different steroids. Female brain chemistry really shouldn’t be compared to male imho

3. Do you think some brains are able to successfully adapt to the reduction in neurosteroids by either increasing the number of receptors in the brain or upregulating existing ones? Is this even scientifically plausible?

Nope. It’s like trying to burn a bonfire with less wood

4. Do you think taking an SSRI that has been found to increase allopregnanolone levels would counteract any reduction in allopregnanolone Finasteride would cause?

Great question. Idk for sure but I’d guess prolly not because in order to catalyze more allopregnanolone you need more 5AR/DHT, which finasteride blocks

5. Do you think the lack of any noticeable side effect is a good indicator that no damage is being done?

Definitely not. Most people don’t catch cancer till stage 3

 

[physicalism]

Anyone know what other things have been proven to reduce neurosteroids? Maybe alcohol or something else? Is the inhibition of allopregnanolone something unique among 5ar inhibitors, or could other things potentially cause similar reduction in levels as well? Is there an argument that deemphasizes the importance of neurosteroids? Why do you think some people never experience mental sides? Do they naturally have higher neurosteroid levels, or just lack self awareness?