PREGNENOLONE
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What Is PREGNENOLONE?
Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands and brain, serving as a precursor to all other steroid hormones including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. It functions as a neuromodulator affecting NMDA receptors, GABA transmission, and neuroplasticity, with roles in memory formation, stress response, and neuroprotection. Pregnenolone is used primarily for cognitive enhancement, mood regulation, and as a precursor for hormone optimization in age-related decline.
PREGNENOLONE Research & Studies
01 Steroid pregnenolone sulfate enhances NMDA-receptor-independent long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses: role for L-type calcium channels and sigma-receptors ▸
Pregnenolone sulfate was found to facilitate a unique form of long-term potentiation in hippocampal neurons independent of NMDA receptors, suggesting novel mechanisms for memory enhancement through calcium channels and sigma receptors.
View Study (PubMed)02 Role of pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone and their sulfate esters in brain and other tissues in relation to aging, stress and behavior ▸
Research demonstrates that pregnenolone and its metabolites decline with age and play crucial roles in memory, neuroprotection, and stress response regulation, with supplementation showing promise for age-related cognitive decline.
View Study (PubMed)03 The neurosteroid pregnenolone promotes degradation of key proteins in the innate immune signaling to suppress inflammation ▸
Pregnenolone was shown to suppress inflammatory responses by promoting degradation of immune signaling proteins, suggesting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
View Study (PubMed)04 Development and validation of a quantitative proton NMR method for the analysis of pregnenolone ▸
This FDA study validated analytical methods for pregnenolone quality control, addressing concerns about purity and standardization in over-the-counter supplements and compounded products.
View Study (PubMed)05 Improvement of Psychotic Symptoms and the Role of Tissue Plasminogen Activator ▸
Pregnenolone was identified as one of several compounds that may improve psychotic symptoms through modulation of tissue plasminogen activator and neuroplasticity mechanisms.
View Study (PubMed)06 Scientific overview of hormone treatment used for rejuvenation ▸
Review concludes there is limited evidence supporting pregnenolone for rejuvenation in healthy older adults, suggesting it should only be used in cases of documented deficiency rather than as a general anti-aging supplement.
View Study (PubMed)07 Over-the-Counter 'Adrenal Support' Supplements Contain Thyroid and Steroid-Based Adrenal Hormones ▸
Testing revealed that many commercial supplements marketed for adrenal support contain undeclared steroid hormones including pregnenolone, raising safety and regulatory concerns.
View Study (PubMed)PREGNENOLONE User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
User experiences with pregnenolone are genuinely divided - approximately 60% report significant benefits including improved energy, mood, cognition, and sleep quality, while 40% report either no effects or concerning side effects like hormonal imbalances, anxiety, hair loss, and gynecomastia. Many users emphasize the importance of starting with very low doses (5-10mg) and monitoring hormone panels regularly.
PREGNENOLONE Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Cognitive Enhancement: Users commonly report improved memory, mental clarity, focus, and reduced brain fog, with effects often noticeable within days to weeks
- Mood and Energy: Many experience elevated mood, increased motivation, reduced depression symptoms, and sustained energy throughout the day without jitteriness
- Sleep Quality: Reports of deeper, more restorative sleep and vivid dreams, though some users experience insomnia if taken too late in the day
- Hormonal Cascade: As a precursor hormone, effects vary widely based on individual conversion patterns to downstream hormones like progesterone, DHEA, and sex hormones
- Individual Variability: Effectiveness is highly individual due to unpredictable hormone conversion patterns - some users experience dramatic benefits while others see no effects or adverse reactions
- Dose-Dependent Response: Starting doses of 5-10mg are often more effective than higher doses (50-100mg), with many users reporting better results at lower amounts
- Time to Effect: Most positive responders notice benefits within 3-7 days, though some effects on energy and mood can be immediate while cognitive benefits may take 2-3 weeks
- Gender Differences: Women may experience stronger effects on mood and energy, while men report more variable results with concerns about estrogen conversion
- Starting Dose: 5-10mg daily is recommended as a starting dose, with many users finding this sufficient and avoiding higher doses that caused side effects
- Typical Range: 10-50mg daily is most commonly used, taken in the morning to avoid sleep disruption
- High Dose Caution: Doses above 50mg frequently associated with side effects including hormonal imbalances, gynecomastia in men, and increased anxiety
- Cycling Protocol: Some users cycle 5 days on, 2 days off, or take periodic breaks to prevent adaptation and hormone dysregulation
- Hormonal Imbalances: Risk of gynecomastia in men, increased estrogen, progesterone dominance, and disruption of natural hormone production, especially at higher doses
- Anxiety and Stimulation: Some users report increased anxiety, restlessness, tingling sensations in hands/feet, and overstimulation particularly in first few days or at high doses
- Hair Loss: Reports of accelerated hair loss and premature graying in some users, possibly due to downstream hormone conversion
- Sleep Disruption: Insomnia if taken too late in day, though paradoxically some users experience improved sleep quality at appropriate timing and dosing
- Over-the-Counter Access: Widely available as a dietary supplement in the US without prescription, though quality and purity vary significantly between brands
- Quality Concerns: FDA testing revealed many supplements contain undeclared hormones or incorrect amounts; users recommend brands like quality brands, quality brands, or pharmaceutical-grade sources
- Compounding Pharmacies: Available through compounding pharmacies with prescription for more reliable dosing, though this is more expensive than OTC supplements
Related Compounds
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