Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a type of hormone that is produced naturally in the human body and is also available as a dietary supplement. This hormone is claimed to help with several health conditions, including depression, menopause, and arthritis. However, there is insufficient evidence to support these claims at this time. Although pregnenolone is a "natural" product, it can cause side effects, such as insomnia, headaches, and acne.

 

What Is Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is a natural human hormone. It is also available as a dietary supplement that is used for a variety of conditions. Specifically, pregnenolone is often claimed to be beneficial for the following uses:
 
Pregnenolone is also frequently promoted to help enhance memory and slow the aging process.
 
(Click Benefits of Pregnenolone for more information on what pregnenolone is used for, including additional uses of the supplement.)
 

How Does Pregnenolone Work?

Pregnenolone is a hormone that is used by the body to make all other steroid hormones in the body, including (but not limited to) progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and estrogen. The body makes pregnenolone using cholesterol. In addition to its use as a precursor for steroid hormones, pregnenolone can block the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a brain chemical that can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain.
 

Is Pregnenolone Effective?

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of pregnenolone for any use.
 
(Click Does Pregnenolone Work? for more information.)
 

Pregnenolone Dosing Information

Safe and effective pregnenolone dosing has not been established for any use.
 
(Click Pregnenolone Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Pregnenolone

Many people believe that "natural" products, such as pregnenolone, have no side effects. However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Pregnenolone can cause side effects, such as:
 
(Click Pregnenolone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone may interact with a few other medications or supplements (see Pregnenolone Drug Interactions).
 

Is Pregnenolone Safe?

It is not known if pregnenolone supplementation is safe. Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to pregnenolone. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking pregnenolone if you have:
 
  • Cancer (or a history of cancer)
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Pregnenolone Safety for more information, including any available pregnenolone warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Pregnenolone Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a pregnenolone overdose. If you think you may have taken too much pregnenolone, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Pregnenolone Overdose for more information.)
 

Pregnenolone: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual pregnenolone product for information on how best to store pregnenolone. Keep pregnenolone and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
Pages:

1 2 3 Next

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;