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Neurosteroid Pathways

Meaning

Neurosteroid Pathways describe the synthesis, metabolism, and action of steroid hormones that are locally produced within the central and peripheral nervous systems, independent of the classical endocrine glands. These neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone and DHEA, act rapidly on neural receptors to modulate neurotransmission, influencing mood, cognition, anxiety, and sleep. Unlike systemic hormones, their effects are often immediate and non-genomic, providing crucial local regulation of brain function. The health of these pathways is intrinsically linked to mental well-being and neurological resilience.