Abstract: Methods are described for regulating neuropeptide secretion to alleviate premature labor, hypertension, fluid imbalance, and risk of heart disease: using neuroactive steroids targeted for a newly-identified site of action in the nerve terminals of neurosecretory neurons. The steroids 17 betaestradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone increase the release of neuropeptide hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin. Pregnalone derivatives decrease the release of the same hormones.