Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSide EffectsWarnings and InteractionsDosage and PreparationAlternatives
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Table of Contents
Benefits
Side Effects
Warnings and Interactions
Dosage and Preparation
Alternatives
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Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in the production of other steroid hormones, including progesterone, DHEA, and estrogen. It is found naturally in the body, where it is produced from cholesterol in the brain, adrenal glands, and gonads.Some people also take pregnenolone in supplement form to helpimprove memory,ease depression, and more.
If you’re considering a pregnenolone supplement, it’s helpful to know what research says about the benefits it can provide. It’s also important to consider pregnenolone’s potential side effects and warnings, enabling to you better decide if it is the right option for you.
Before taking pregnenolone or any otherdietary supplement, talk with your healthcare provider to learn whether it is safe for you.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Health Benefits of Pregnenolone
People take pregnenolone supplements for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of its proposed health benefits.
Promotes Memory and Learning
One neuroinflammatory condition isAlzheimer’s disease. Studies report that patients with Alzheimer’s often have “significantly lower” pregnenolone levels that those without this disease, and the lower the level of pregnenolone, the greater the disease’s severity.
Reduces Depression Symptoms
Pregnenolone directly affects other substances in the human body, such as MT-associated proteins (MAPs). MAP defects have been linked withmajor depressive disorder(MDD) and taking pregnenolone may positively affect MAP levels, potentially helping to ease depressive symptoms.
A small-scale 2017 study involving 11 patients withbipolar depressionsupported this effect. After taking a pregnenolone supplement for six weeks, the intervention group had decreased MAP levels, which correlated with positive changes in the subjects' self-reported depressive symptoms.
Improves Schizophrenia Symptoms
Taking a pregnenolone supplement may also help improve symptoms for people withschizophrenia. A 2019 review found that pregnenolone augmentation therapy provided significant cognitive improvements for this demographic, also enhancing participants' general functioning.
Research published in 2018 adds that taking pregnenolone for one month appears to provide benefits for individuals experiencing their firstschizophrenic episodewho have not yet started antipsychotic treatment.
Fewer Drug and Alcohol Cravings
When people withalcohol use disorder(AUD) try to quit drinking, the cravings they experience can make this process much harder. In a 2023 study involving 43 people with AUD, those taking 300 milligrams (mg) of pregnenolone daily had fewer alcohol cravings after being exposed to stress or typical drinking cues.
A 2022 study found similar results for people withcocaine use disorder. In this case, participants took either 300 mg or 500 mg of pregnenolone daily. After two weeks, they had reduced stress and cue-induced cravings for this drug. The group taking 500 mg daily also had reductions in their stress and cue-induced anxiety levels.
Additional Health Benefits
Pregnenolone is said to aid in the treatment of several other physical andmental health conditions, some of which include:
Possible Side Effects of Pregnenolone
Several pieces of research involving the use of pregnenolone report that it is well tolerated. However, these studies also fail to say what side effects, if any, users experience when taking it in supplement form.
Using steroids long-term has also been associated with certain side effects, such as:
Warnings and Interactions for Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone may not be safe for certain individuals. For instance, one study looked at postmenopausal women. It found that as their pregnenolone levels increased, so too did their risk of ovarian cancer.Therefore, this type of supplement may not be recommended for this demographic.
Since it can influence hormone levels, it may also be advised to avoid using pregnenolone if you have or are at risk for hormone-sensitive conditions. This includesbreast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Although pregnenolone is present naturally in the body, when it is introduced in artificial form, it is known as a bioidentical hormone. Research on bioidentical hormones indicates that it is difficult to predict how these substances will affect the body’s natural physiological responses.
Also keep in mind that supplements haven’t been tested for safety and are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances, such as harmful metals.
The safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has also not been established. That’s why it is always recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement.
Dosage and Preparation of Pregnenolone
The dosage amounts of pregnenolone used in various pieces of research vary widely. Therefore, there is not enough scientific data to provide a recommended dose of pregnenolone.
For example, in one study showing positive effects for people with alcohol use disorder, the pregnenolone dosage used was 300 mg or 500 mg daily.But a study involving people with schizophrenia noted benefits at a much lower dose of 50 mg per day.
Preparation methods for pregnenolone supplements also vary. You can find it in capsule or pill form, with some products offering it in powder form, as a cream, an oil, or even as a nasal spray.
Alternatives to Pregnenolone
If you’re seeking a natural remedy to help preserve memory, some studies show that increasing your intake of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may have memory-enhancing effects.
A number of alternative therapies may also aid in the treatment of depression. For example, herbs such asSt. John’s wortmight help relieve symptoms of depression, while mind-body practices like acupuncture andmeditationcould help improve mood.Regular exercise and time spent outdoors can also reduce stress and improve mood.
Benefits of Fish Oil for Mental Health
A Word From Verywell
Due to the limited research, it’s too soon to recommend pregnenolone as a treatment for any condition. It’s also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
If you’re considering using pregnenolone for any health purpose, consult your healthcare provider first.
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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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