Pregnenolone, a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol, is found in the brain, gonads and adrenal cortex. Research shows that correcting low steroid hormones can actually help to normalize cholesterol levels. Having a higher-than-ideal cholesterol level might be the body's way of creating a precursor for the steroid hormones it needs.^1,2 Pregnenolone is a precursor to DHEA, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. It is also imperative to cognitive function. Pregnenolone levels are highest in the brain and studies have shown that it enhances many of our mental capacities.³ Pregnenolone also benefits mood, sleep, memory, cholesterol, and cellular repair in the brain and nerve tissues.^4-10 Pregnenolone enhances the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important to memory function.¹¹ Individuals with memory ailments often have low pregnenolone levels. Pregnenolone can stimulate neuron function to aid memory. Studies have shown levels of pregnenolone to be lower in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.¹²

Benefits

• Promotes nerve regeneration
• Enhances memory^9,13
• Improves sense of well-being^14,15
• Increases energy
• Improves sleep quality^9,16,17
• Reduces the harmful effects of stress^18,19
• Support healthy moods^13,20,21
• Supports cholesterol homeostasis^1,2

Side Effects

There are no reported significant adverse effects. However, pregnenolone may be converted to steroids such as DHEA, which may cause acne, particularly in women. There are no known drug interactions.

Administration

Pregnenolone is generally administered by capsule; however, it can also be utilized in a cream or gel form. It is generally taken in doses ranging between 10–100 mg per day. Since pregnenolone is quickly converted to other hormones in the body, it is difficult to accurately measure with a serum pregenolone test. Therefore, as a person ages, it is typically replaced with 25–50 mg per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What changes will I notice if I take pregnenolone? A. Some people do report an improvement in their memory. Q. Can my levels be measured by a serum or blood pregnenolone test? A. Yes it can; however, it is difficult to get an accurate measurement because it converts to other hormones quickly.

Related Articles:

• The Primary Roles of Sex Hormones

References:

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3. Martín-García E, Pallarés M. A post-training intrahippocampal anxiogenic dose of the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate impairs passive avoidance retention. Exp Brain Res. 2008 Nov;191(2):123-31.
4. Yau JL, et al. Central administration of a cytochrome P450-7B product 7 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone improves spatial memory retention in cognitively impaired aged rats. J Neurosci. 2006 Oct 25;26(43):11034-40.
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19. Sripada RK, et al. Allopregnanolone elevations following pregnenolone administration are associated with enhanced activation of emotion regulation neurocircuits. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Jun 1;73(11):1045-53.
20. Ritsner MS, et al. Pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled, 2-center, parallel-group trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2010 Oct;71(10):1351-62.
21. Osuji IJ, et al. Pregnenolone for cognition and mood in dual diagnosis patients. Psychiatry Res. 2010 Jul 30;178(2):309-12.