Pregnenolone is a hormone that is manufactured from cholesterol and acts as a precursor for the production of many hormones in the human body including DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol.  As we age the body produces less pregnenolone and researchers believe that low levels of pregnenolone can be a factor in the development of “old age” symptoms.  Pregnenolone supplementation may be beneficial for low libido, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, loss of muscle mass, memory problems, blood clots, depression, and fatigue.  For women it may also relieve menopausal complaints like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, poor memory, low libido and dryness of the skin and hair.

Pregnenolone is a restricted substance in Canada because it affects the levels of many hormones in the body.  Large-scale human trials have not been conducted to assess the safety of this hormone in supplemental use.

To enhance the body’s production of pregnenolone without taking pregnenolone itself there are several options.  Essential fatty acid and protein intake is important.  Essential fatty acids are used to make steroid molecules, the precursors to hormones like pregnenolone.  Protein is what the body uses to build muscle and repair tissue under the direction of hormones like pregnenolone.  A proper balance of vitamins and minerals are needed to provide raw materials for the increased activity that the body will undertake when it is stimulated by pregnenolone.

Use caution when taking pregnenolone because the full spectrum of its activity and interactions is not yet known.  Pregnenolone can potentiate the activity of any medication that has hormonal activity like hormone replacement therapy, prostate cancer medication and corticosteroids.  Do not use pregnenolone if you are pregnant, nursing or have a history of breast or prostate cancer.  Side effects of pregnenolone use are headache, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, irregular heartbeat, acne, growth of facial hair and loss of scalp hair.