Pregnenolone: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in producing other steroid hormones such as progesterone, DHEA, and estrogen. Naturally occurring in the body, it also comes in supplement form to address conditions like memory impairment, depression, and more.

Potential Health Benefits of Pregnenolone:

1. Memory and Learning Enhancement: Studies suggest that pregnenolone may enhance memory and learning capabilities, providing cognitive function benefits.

2. Alleviation of Depression Symptoms: Pregnenolone may positively influence MT-associated proteins (MAPs) levels, which are linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), potentially alleviating depressive symptoms.

3. Improvement of Schizophrenia Symptoms: Pregnenolone supplements may offer improvements in symptoms for individuals with schizophrenia.

4. Reduction in Drug and Alcohol Cravings: In a study involving people with alcohol use disorder (AUD), taking 300 milligrams (mg) of pregnenolone daily reduced alcohol cravings when exposed to stress or drinking cues.

5. Additional Potential Benefits: Pregnenolone is also claimed to aid in treating various other physical and mental health conditions, including adrenal fatigue, allergic lung disease, autism, fatigue, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, infertility, inflammatory conditions, mood disorders, multiple sclerosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, osteoporosis, pain conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, stress, and type 2 diabetes.

Potential Side Effects of Pregnenolone:

Limited research has directly assessed the safety of pregnenolone supplements. However, due to its steroid nature, similar side effects to other steroids may occur.

Short-Term Side Effects:

• Confusion
• Depression
• Euphoria
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach

Long-Term Side Effects:

• Adrenal issues
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Increased infection risk
• Muscle weakness
• Poor wound healing
• Round face
• Skin thinning and bruising
• Thinning bones

Warnings and Interactions for Pregnenolone:

1. Ovarian Cancer Risk: Research suggests that higher pregnenolone levels may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

2. Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Since pregnenolone can affect hormone levels, it may not be advisable for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

3. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before using pregnenolone or any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Dosage and Preparation of Pregnenolone:

Due to the lack of sufficient scientific data, there is no recommended dosage for pregnenolone. Preparation methods and forms may vary, including capsules, pills, powder, cream, oil, or nasal spray.

Alternatives to Pregnenolone:

1. Memory Enhancement: Increasing antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid intake may have memory-enhancing effects.

2. Depression Relief: Alternative therapies like herbs such as St. John's wort, mind-body practices like acupuncture and meditation, regular exercise, and spending time outdoors can aid in reducing stress and improving mood.