Allopregnanolone

3α,5α-Tetrahydroprogesterone known as Allopregnanolone or THP, is an important neurosteroid in the human brain. It is a metabolite of progesterone and a barbiturate-like modulator of central Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors that modify a range of behaviors, including the stress response.

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Allopregnanolone targets the GABA A receptor to reduce anxiety and create calm at times of stress. In the journal Nature Neuroscience, researchers led by Sheryl S Smith PhD, Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, reported findings demonstrating that the hormone allopregnanolone normally released in response to stress, actually reverses its effect at puberty and instead increases anxiety.^[1]

References

1. ^ "Scientists find hormone activity explains adolescent mood swings". SUNY Downstate Medical Center.