You may have heard people talk about pregnenolone or pregnenolona, but if you're like many other guys, you are probably wondering what exactly it means or what it can do for you. Worry not! In this review, we've got you covered.
To get started, pregnenolona is one of the steroid hormones that the body naturally produces from cholesterol. It is produced in the gonads, adrenal glands, and brain. Pregnenolone is also the primary precursor of steroid hormones such as DHEA and allopregnanolone.
Supplementing the body's pregnenolone production comes with many benefits, like improved memory, brain function, mood, and sleep quality. However, it's important to take it under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
What is Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolona is the main steroid hormone produced by the gonads, brain, and adrenal glands from cholesterol.
In the human body, it is used to produce other steroid hormones, including testosterone, cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone. For that reason, it's said to be a prehormone.
There has been a lot of research on the effects of pregnenolona in recent years, mainly in lab creatures. Sadly, there has been no strong scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of pregnenolone.
However, some manufacturers still promote pregnenolona as a nootropic and anti-aging compound. It is believed to increase the production of all the other steroid hormones. It is said to make people feel and look more youthful and energetic.
Uses of Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone acts as a precursor to hormones such as progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
The Benefits of Pregnenolone
Here are the main benefits of using pregnenolona:
- Improves Memory and Cognitive Function
Taking pregnenolona may boost your memory and cognitive function because it helps to stimulate neural growth in the brain. It also aids myelin production, leading to the production of synapses. Myelin insulates the nerves and serves as a neuroprotector. Research also suggests that pregnenolone boosts memory and learning.
Preliminary studies suggest that pregnenolona prevents age-related memory impairment. According to a recent Brain Research Reviews report, researchers have studied different steroid hormones and their impact on memory and learning in old age.
Although studies on animals have shown that pregnenolona may improve memory, the report notes that studies on humans have produced varied results.
- Improves Mood and Eases Anxiety
Studies have shown that low pregnenolone levels can cause anxiety, and hence, supplementing its natural production can improve mood. Moreover, pregnenolona can help minimize negative emotions and boost function in emotional and social situations.
- Helps You Sleep Better
According to research findings, pregnenolone can encourage better sleep, making it perfect for people who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbance.
Supporting its natural secretion can increase the amount of time one spends in slow-wave sleep (deep sleep). This has a positive effect on moods, stress, and memory.
- Eases Fatigue
The chemical is regarded as a parent or precursor to the secretion of other steroid hormones that combat fatigue and boost athletic performance. Although it's still important to address the underlying cause of the fatigue, supplementing pregnenolona levels can relieve fatigue as you try to find a solution.
As this compound starts working, you'll feel more energetic.
If you tend to feel tired during the day, pregnenolona can help keep you energized and focused on the tasks at hand.
- Boosts Testosterone Levels
Testosterone supports men's health on numerous fronts, from building muscle to boosting your libido. Low testosterone levels can affect virtually every aspect of a man's life.
Although testosterone therapy can sometimes help, your best bet might be to boost the body's capability to produce normal testosterone levels by taking a quality supplement.
Using a pregnenolona supplement can boost the body's ability to produce other hormones, including testosterone. Once your t-levels go back to the normal range, you'll start feeling better and more confident again.
- Aids in the Fight against Mild Depression
This drug also aids in the treatment of certain mental disorders, including mild depression.
With the correct dosage, it's possible to reduce any negative thoughts associated with high apathy levels. Supplementation can also help you take an interest again in activities and things that you previously enjoyed. This is particularly helpful for mild cases of depression.
- Aids Weight Loss
Pregnenolone impedes cortisol production, which boosts weight loss. Cortisol is known to increase belly fat, so increasing pregnenolona levels can cause weight loss.
By inhibiting the synthesis of cortisol, this chemical also boosts testosterone levels in the body, leading to increased metabolism.
Where Is It Found
The cells in both the central nervous system and the adrenal gland produce pregnenolona.
The hormone is found in the blood in two forms: free pregnenolone and pregnenolone sulfate.
Studies have shown there is more pregnenolona in the human brain than in the human blood plasma.
In animals, there are much higher levels of pregnenolona in the nervous tissue than that of DHEA or any stress-related hormone.
Symptoms of a Low Level of Pregnenolona
A decrease in the synthesis of any hormone can cause hormonal imbalances, which can have a negative effect on your day-to-day life.
The signs and symptoms of hormone deficiencies can vary based on the normal range and the level of reduction.
Some of the symptoms of pregnenolona deficiency are:
- Fatigue
- Skin dryness
- Loss of memory
- Declining mental focus
- Muscle and joint pain
- Reduced sex drive
The symptoms affect both men and women.
How It Works
Pregnenolone is typically used to produce other steroid hormones in the body. It affects various chemicals in the central nervous system and plays certain roles in various psychiatric disorders.
As a parent or precursor for adrenal corticosteroids and other steroid hormones, pregnenolone is found in different parts of the body. This hormone essentially acts like a parent or precursor for all the other steroid hormones. From its synthesis as cholesterol, pregnenolona undergoes modifications to form many essential hormones needed to maintain the body's functions.
Potential Side Effects
This hormone is typically well tolerated by most users. As with other supplements, however, it is important to take it under the supervision of a qualified physician since inappropriate use can lead to some nasty side effects.
These side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety. The chemical may also cause anxiety despite the fact that it eases anxiety in most cases.
Nonetheless, studies have suggested that pregnenolona is generally safe and has minor side effects. If you experience any side effects after supplementing the hormone, make sure to contact your doctor and stop or reduce your dosage until all the side effects disappear.
Dosage
Proper dosage of pregnenolone will depend on a number of factors, including age, gender, and health status.
So far, there's little information available to determine the perfect dosage for this chemical. Bear in mind that supplements are not always safe and effective. Therefore, make sure to follow the instructions on the product label and contact your doctor before taking this or any other supplement, for that matter.
Interactions with Foods, Supplements, and Other Compounds
So far, there has been no food or supplement interactions reported.
Interactions with Drugs or Medicines
No interactions have been reported between medicines and this supplement. That said, if you're taking any drug or medicine, discuss the benefits and potential risks with your physician before using any new supplement.
Why You Should Consult a Physician Before Taking Supplements
It's imperative to speak with a doctor before taking supplements like vitamins, minerals, steroids, and hormones. That's because medicines you may be taking may contain ingredients with high chances of interactions. Some individuals may also not tolerate some products.
A licensed physician will help you make a sound decision on whether you should take these products or not.
Conclusion
Pregnenolone is an interesting steroid used to improve sleep quality, boost mood and enhance cognitive function. It acts as a parent to many other steroids and protects the brain cells while encouraging their development.
Scientific trials have shown that the hormone can help with mild depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. It may also aid weight loss and boost immunity; though further research is required to support these claims.
What makes it even more ideal is the fact it was well-tolerated in clinical trials, showing that people can safely use it to enhance various aspects of their lives.
References
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.556577/full