The Mood Cycle Hypothesis: Possible Involvement Of Steroid Hormones In Mood Regulation By Means Of Na⁺,K⁺-Atpase Inhibition

The mood cycle hypothesis attempts to propose a model for mood regulation based on current data. The hypothesis contends that steroid hormones inhibit sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase; Na⁺pump) in the hypothalamus, either directly or by converting into digitalis-like compounds. This inhibition stimulates β-endorphin (β-E) secretion, which is normally construed as elevated mood. In turn, β-E inhibits steroid secretion, thus completing negative feedback loops. These loops are collectively termed the mood cycle.