What is Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone is a precursor to many different hormones produced in the human body. Classified as a neurosteroid, it is considered both versatile and powerful among the body’s catalog of self-regulating chemicals. One of its functions is to help maintain the efficient operation of the diverse activities within the central nervous system.
Pregnenolone is the progenitor for most subsequent hormones that have a steroidal function. Just a few of the hormones that Pregnenolone has a hand in the building are cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and DHEA.
Pregnenolone is the subject of numerous studies designed to analyze, both by itself and other hormones, its effect on various aspects of personal disposition. Among the effects that Pregnenolone has shown to impact positively are depression and anxiety.
These findings alone are enough to make Pregnenolone a sought-after supplement, but further studies have found that it also diminishes seizure episodes and encourages an increased level of cognition, including memory enhancement.
Uses
Just some of the uses and benefits of Pregnenolone are listed below.
Encourage a healthy balance in the body.
As a regulatory chemical, Pregnenolone is crucial to help balance other chemicals and hormones within the human body. Unfortunately, as we age, our Pregnenolone production can decrease precipitously, causing issues with memory and a feeling of well-being.
Improve memory and cognitive ability
But aside from Pregnenolone supplements helping to keep one’s brain and body functioning at optimal levels, this neurosteroid is used to counteract mental decline and memory impairment that often accompanies the aging process.
Mood modulator
Certain receptors in the brain are always on the lookout for the chemicals that provide one with a sense of well-being and clarity. Pregnenolone encourages the production of these chemicals resulting in an increased sense of well-being and reduced feelings of anxiety.
Arthritis support
Pregnenolone, because it is a precursor to many steroids, is also a natural inflammation reducer. This means that people with arthritis experience a reduction in swelling and pain and increased movement when taking a regular course of Pregnenolone.
Dosage
On the market are many different Pregnenolone supplements offering varying dosages. It has been suggested that a safe daily dose would be right around 30 mg. However, before taking Pregnenolone as a daily supplement, talk to your doctor. Your physician needs to know what kind of supplements you are taking for several significant reasons.
First is that anything you take that can affect the chemical composition within your body is important information that your doctor needs if they are to treat you properly. And the second is that any supplement may have negative reactions with any prescribed medication that you may be taking. Besides, it is always good practice to keep your doctor informed of any changes to your dietary habits.
How it Relates to DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Though sometimes confused with DHEA, Pregnenolone is a different class of chemical. DHEA is made from the precursor Pregnenolone. DHEA has the primary responsibility of producing androgen and estrogen, two hormones that are also very important for regulating the body from puberty onwards. As such, DHEA has its own role to play when it comes to one’s sense of well-being.
DHEA, like Pregnenolone, or perhaps because of Pregnenolone, production begins to taper off in the mid-thirties for most people. Like Pregnenolone, many people take DHEA to treat symptoms as diverse as depression, lupus, weight management, and cognitive concerns.
Though there is some talk of DHEA being a miracle anti-aging cure, there really is no evidence to support this claim. However, DHEA remains a critical hormone for the proper functioning of us all – especially as we age.
DHEA dosages are best discussed with your doctor as the over-the-counter supplements vary widely in content and quality.
Treatments
As mentioned, Pregnenolone has positively affected one’s mood and memory, but it is also an important component for other health concerns. Aside from doctor-prescribed Pregnenolone, there are many over-the-counter options available.
Over-the-counter options are typically found in the supplement section of the average grocery store or are readily available online from numerous web-based retailers. Regardless of the dosage, these supplements are slow-acting, so do not expect results within three to four months. However, do not get discouraged if the results are not immediate, as it takes the body some time to ramp up its response to a change of diet or habit.
Pregnenolone seems to have positive effects for conditions like declining mental acuity and memory loss. But it also enables the body to be more resistant to stress. Types of stress include minor physical injury and generalized anxiety.
Older people may find the compound useful for treating dry skin, joint and muscle pain, and osteoporosis. The latter of which results from a declining output of estrogen in women after menopause.
Likewise, one can expect to have a bolstered immune system after a period of Pregnenolone treatment. It also contributes to controlling the amount of cortisol produced by the body. Cortisol is another important hormone that is designed to repair points in the body where stressors happen. But cortisol also negatively affects the body by suppressing the immune system.
Pregnenolone + DHEA
When searching for treatment, your physician may prescribe a Pregnenolone and DHEA stack. Both of these hormones are naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland. Pregnenolone is most indicated with low cortisol combined with low 17-OH progesterone, a precursor to cortisol. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Combining these two treatments have been shown to have a positive effect on the mind and body.
Our physicians customize pharmaceutical-grade Pregnenolone and DHEA dosage based on lab results and symptoms.
Before beginning treatment, a blood test and physician consultation are required. These help the physician understand the patient’s body and which treatments will be the most effective. During the consultation, your physician will review your blood test results while answering questions you may have about levels and treatment.
Getting Started with Treatment (HRT)
Before undergoing a regime of Pregnenolone treatments, it is highly recommended that one consults with a physician. Any supplement can cause complications with a supplement or prescription that you may already be taking. In addition, understanding the possible side-effects of Pregnenolone will enable you to make an informed decision regarding the state of your health.
If you’re at all concerned with your mood and energy, contact your doctor or a qualified telemedicine provider like EVOLVE. Our team of hormone therapy experts will help you get started with a safe, effective, and affordable hormone treatment plan. Contact Patient Care @EVOLVE to schedule your consultation!
