First, the increase in sensitivity/negative effects using A1 as per that research affects BOTH sexes that ultimately causes it to work less or not at all and a negative response to its smell. Its untested if this changes back over time with no exposure or is permanant once you become sensitive.. Not harmful, but just isnt good for constant use like many thought…
The likely separate issue of depression like effects are found in only SOME men, there are NO studies directly in that area so I did my own research and came up with my own theory… I believe that the real underlying problem is that a male with a low level of Serotonin when exposed to A1 causes a temporary same day - 2 days of lethargy and depression symptom. This goes away once levels balance back, its not causing permanent depression symptoms without exposures. Those males who are sensitive will show obvious negative mood effects on any exposure
A study of mice with low testosterone pointed me first to the possibility of the cause, that testosterone levels may actually be directly affecting serotonin levels (as some of the people who had the problem had low T). Low testosterone could potentially put men at risk for depression if low testosterone lowers serotonin levels. A1 may also instead be lowering serotonin without affecting testosterone by elevating hormones such as cortisol, the “stress hormone,” and reducing serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, which has been linked to depression. Temporary improvements to A1 exposure with exercise and diet changes can also be linked to serotonin boost.
So after some research I did find some supporting evidence:
A team from MedUni Vienna believes it has demonstrated that testosterone increases the number of proteins that transport serotonin into the brain.
Testosterone Supplementation May Increase Serotonin Levels in the Brain | MD Magazine
Androstadienone effects on cortisol and testosterone
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3661594/
So at this point my theory is that its a low serotonin issue…
Education purposes only, Ashwagandha 500mg (or 1000 later) seems to counter some effects of increased cortisol and lower testosterone… Astaxanthin has been shown to increase serotonin, and both are safe…
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28424423
Vitamin D + Fish Oil also work somewhat and are safe… but D requires Magnesium, and lowers Potassium and Vitamin A so also need to be added and not mega doses or you risk deficiencies in those three other parts.
Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior
5-HTP or L-Tryptophan. L-Tryptophan is converted into the 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and then increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.
When considering L-Tryptophan vs 5-HTP, 5-HTP is more effective, but over time your body may start to build a tolerance to the effects after awhile as your levels get back up. It also can cause serotonin to be created OUTSIDE the brain so definately not something to take long term or unmonitored just for the hell of it. L-Tryptophan is slightly lower in effect, but may be considered more safer and healthier for long term use after you get levels up short term with 5-HTP. L-Tryptophan supplements have less chance of interacting with meds then the use of 5-HTP. 5-HTP for when you are actually depressive or show negative effects short term under monitoring, and occasional L-Tryptophan for when you are not if you use A1 regularly and will convert as needed. Vitamin B6/P5P (active form) in small amounts and Magnesium (Glycinate form preferred) are needed for conversion if not in diet or else the serotonin wont get made.