Does Pregnenolone Work?

Some people may wonder, "Does pregnenolone work?" Pregnenolone is claimed to help with several conditions, such as arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. However, there is currently no reliable scientific evidence that pregnenolone works for any use in humans. Because pregnenolone is a supplement (not a drug), it does not have to be proven to be safe or effective. This doesn't necessarily mean, however, that it doesn't work.

 

Does Pregnenolone Work?

Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring hormone that is sometimes used in dietary supplements. The hormone is claimed to work for the following conditions:
 
Also, pregnenolone is promoted to work for slowing down the aging process, enhancing memory, increasing energy, stimulating the immune system, detoxifying the body, and improving the body's response to stress.
 

Pregnenolone Research

There is no reliable scientific evidence (such as clinical studies) to suggest that pregnenolone works for any purpose in humans, although animal studies abound. This does not mean that pregnenolone does not work; it simply means that there is currently no real proof that it does work. Some people (including most healthcare providers) feel that it is appropriate to take only medications and supplements that have been scientifically demonstrated to be beneficial (and safe); other people, however, are comfortable experimenting with unproven treatments. Whether you decide to take pregnenolone will largely depend on your willingness to try an unproven dietary supplement that has not been shown to work for any condition.
 
(Does Pregnenolone Work? Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;