Pregnenolone supplementation may improve cognitive function and hormone regulation but has mixed evidence and potential hormonal side effects.
Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. It serves as a precursor to several other hormones, including DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone. Supplementation with pregnenolone is purported to improve cognitive function, support hormone regulation, and potentially relieve arthritis symptoms, although scientific evidence is mixed and further research is needed. Potential side effects include acne, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and hormonal imbalances. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking pregnenolone, especially for individuals with pre-existing hormonal conditions or those taking other medications.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
10-500mg daily
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Pregnenolone is primarily synthesized in the mitochondria from cholesterol. In the body, it's produced by the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. For supplement production, it can be extracted from wild yam or synthesized in a lab from cholesterol.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Enhances mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and remembering, including memory, attention, focus, and processing speed. Benefits range from improved mental clarity to significant enhancements in cognitive abilities, especially in those with cognitive decline.
Boron can modulate hormone levels, specifically testosterone and estrogen, with more significant effects in boron-deficient individuals. It may lead to increased free testosterone and altered estrogen metabolism.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptom relief may occur due to anti-inflammatory effects or immune system modulation. However, evidence is limited and further research is required.
Possible Side Effects
Insomnia is a sleep disorder involving difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to non-restorative sleep. It can be triggered by various factors and can result in daytime fatigue and impaired cognitive function.
Acne is a common skin condition involving comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules caused by factors like excess sebum, clogged follicles, inflammation, and bacteria. Severity ranges from mild breakouts to severe inflammation and scarring.
Anxiety as a side effect involves feelings of worry and unease, potentially leading to restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and panic attacks. It can be triggered by various mechanisms, including drug effects on the CNS or hormonal imbalances, and is often exacerbated by pre-existing anxiety disorders.
Headaches are a common side effect characterized by pain in the head, ranging from mild to severe, potentially accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light/sound. They can be triggered by various factors, including dehydration, stress, or medication.
This side effect involves disruptions to the body's endocrine system, leading to fluctuations in hormone levels and a range of potential symptoms. Individuals with pre-existing hormonal conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies explore pregnenolone's role in cognition, hormone regulation, and mood. Research can be found on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords like 'pregnenolone cognition,' 'pregnenolone hormone,' and 'pregnenolone anxiety.' Specific studies exploring its impact on arthritis are also available but less extensive.
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