The levels of some neuroactive steroids analyzed in CSF of PFS patients were significantly different versus those in healthy controls. In particular, the levels of PREG, as well as of its further metabolites, PROG and DHP, were significantly decreased in CSF of PFS patients. PFS patients show altered levels of important physiological regulators of brain function, such as neuroactive steroids. This could explain the andrological and psychiatric features observed in PFS patients.
Melcangi RC, Santi D, Spezzano R, Grimoldi M, Tabacchi T, Fusco ML, Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Carrà G, Caruso D, Simoni M, Cavaletti G. Neuroactive steroid levels and psychiatric and andrological features in post-finasteride patients. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2017 Jul;171:229-235. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.04.003. Epub 2017 Apr 10. [PubMed]