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Neuroactive Steroids

Meaning

Neuroactive steroids are a class of steroid molecules, either synthesized de novo in the nervous system or peripherally, that rapidly alter neuronal excitability and function by interacting with specific neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels. Unlike classical steroid hormones that act slowly via genomic receptors, these compounds provide rapid, non-genomic modulation of brain activity, influencing mood, cognition, stress response, and sleep architecture. They are critical modulators of the central nervous system, representing a powerful link between hormonal status and neurological health.