5a,3a-Androstanediol

5 alpha 3 alpha androstanediol is the downstream metabolite of DHT.

It is a neuroactive steroid that freely enters the brain from the bloodstream and interacts with both GABAa and dopaminergic neurons. Its interaction with dopaminergic neurons are thought to impart the pleasure/reward pathways associated with androgens (L).

In premenopausal women high androgens [the most potent of the androgens is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is created from testosterone via 5a reductase)], is usually associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is closely associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. If left untreated this often progresses to diabetes and its adverse health outcomes. This condition is usually associated with one or more of the following: excessive weight, high stress, poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, and various hormonal imbalances (high insulin, high estrogens/low progesterone, high androgens, high cortisol, low thyroid). Correcting these hormonal imbalances in combination with improved lifestyle modifications usually helps reverse insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and some of the associated hormonal imbalances (e.g. high androgens and high androgen symptoms).

5a,3a–androstanediol is a neuroactive steroid that enhances dopamine activity, important for mood elevation.