TLDR Blood hormone levels don't accurately show brain hormone levels in males.
The study measured estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 22 males without cerebral disorders, finding weak to very weak correlations between the two compartments. This suggested that peripheral blood concentrations of these steroids did not accurately reflect their levels in the central nervous system. The research highlighted the need for further investigation to determine if and how serum levels could serve as biomarkers for brain concentrations of these hormones.
123 citations
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December 2015 in “Journal of Neuroendocrinology” New targets for making and using brain-synthesized steroids could lead to better treatments for brain disorders and alcoholism.
31 citations
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March 2015 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Neuroactive steroids could become safe, effective treatments with more understanding of their complex brain actions and metabolism.
61 citations
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April 2014 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride affects brain and blood steroids, causing lasting sexual and emotional side effects.
658 citations
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June 2003 in “Endocrine reviews” Male hormones may play a role in the development of heart disease, and more research is needed to understand their effects.
61 citations
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April 2018 in “Frontiers in endocrinology” Sex steroids produced in the hippocampus are crucial for brain functions like memory and learning in rodents.
72 citations
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January 2011 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
20 citations
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October 2018 in “Clinical Drug Investigation” Dutasteride does not impair mental function in elderly men with enlarged prostate.
September 2024 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may help protect the brain and gut in Parkinson's disease.
