Pregnenolone and DHEA Comparison, Effects and Benefits Review

Pregnenolone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) are steroidal hormones which are produced naturally in the body. Pregnenolone is a parent hormone that is used as a precursor of certain other hormones, including DHEA.

Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol, mainly in adrenal glands, but also to lesser degrees in ovaries, testicles, brains, livers retinas and skin. DHEA is also produced largely in the adrenals, but it requires pregnenolone as its direct precursor.

Pregnenolone, DHEA and other steroids modulate sex traits, inflammation, growth, inflammation, metabolism, immunity and various other body and brain functions.

Pregnenolone and DHEA supplements are sometimes used for anti-aging, bodybuilding, sexual health and more. While some studies show benefits, there are also potential side effects if these hormones are used improperly.

Pregnenolone

Hormone Supplement

Longevity

Energy

Memory

How It Works:

• Helps maintain healthy hormone balance
• Supports memory & brain function
• Boosts energy, metabolism & focus

Dosage:

Between 5 - 50 mg per day

Safety:

Insufficient Research

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Roles of Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is often called the “Mother” of other hormones. It is the precursor of androgens, estrogens, neuroactive steroids, glucocorticoids, progestins and mineralocorticoids.

Pregnenolone is used in one of two primary paths after it is produced. It can be used to manufacture DHEA – or it used to produce progesterone.

If pregnenolone is converted to DHEA, then DHEA may subsequently be converted to testosterone and the estrogens – estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3).

If pregnenolone is converted into progesterone, then progesterone may subsequently be converted into cortisol and aldosterone.

Pregnenolone also acts on its own as a neurosteroid, producing important effects on psychological and neurological functioning.

Roles of DHEA

DHEA is an adrenal androgen that is biosynthesized from cholesterol via the actions of two cytochrome P450 enzymes.

First, cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone by P450SCC (side chain cleavage). Then, pregnenolone is converted into 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, and finally to DHEA by CYP17A1.

Orally, DHEA is used to impede the effects of aging, promote weight loss and healthy weight maintenance, improve symptoms of RA (rheumatoid arthritis), enhance cognitive performance and improve sexual dysfunction.

It is used medically for depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). This list is not comprehensive.

DHEA is available as an OTC dietary supplement in the US and UK. In Canada and Australia, it is only available legally by prescription. Various professional athletes have been suspended for using DHEA as a performance enhancer.

DHEA is a steroid. Although multiple studies suggest its safety and tolerability, excessive or improper use may cause adverse effects including irritability, anger, aggressiveness, insomnia and increased hair growth.

It may also suppress menstruation, decrease levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, alter blood-glucose regulation, disrupt liver functioning and cause acne.

DHEA doses of 200 mg daily have been used safely for up to 24 weeks. 400 mg daily doses have also been safe for as long as 8 weeks.

What is the Pregnenolone Steal?

Pregnenolone levels can be affected by stress and other environmental factors. Pregnenolone levels also decline as we age. Low levels of this hormone can cause low energy, increased susceptibility to the negative effects, weight gain and more.

When stress affects us, cortisol is released. Cortisol benefits include regulating blood pressure, strengthening immune responses, metabolizing amino acids, stimulating glycolysis, balancing sodium, resisting stress, maintaining emotional stability and reducing inflammation.

However, long-term elevation can cause serious problems for the body. In normal circumstances, once the pituitary gland recognizes a given stressor to be alleviated, cortisol levels return to baseline. But this does not always happen.

Humans have a finite supply of pregnenolone at any given time. When pregnenolone is used to produce progesterone in order to produce cortisol, less pregnenolone is available for DHEA synthesis.

In times of chronic or constant stress, cortisol production continues to occur. The “pregnenolone steal” occurs when chronic stress is not dealt with effectively.

As stress continues, cortisol synthesis does also. This has a depleting effect on pregnenolone – and therefore on DHEA and the other hormones which are metabolized from it.

Cortisol, Pregnenolone and DHEA

Cortisol is important for dealing with short-term stressors. survival. However, excessive cortisol in the system can result in weight gain, impaired immunity and other health problems.

Higher levels of this stress hormone are linked to diminished glucose utilization, increased blood-glucose levels, decreased protein production, increased protein breakdown, demineralization of bone tissue, decreased white blood cell levels, lymphatic shrinkage and increased susceptibility to degenerative disease.

DHEA helps to reverse the adverse catabolic effects of cortisol in the system. It facilitates recovery from acute stressors like mental strain, excessive physical activity and lacking restful sleep.

Taking a DHEA supplement can help to improve mental focus, physical and mental energy, sleep quality and overall vitality. DHEA also helps alleviate the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

Pregnenolone availability determines DHEA synthesis rates. If pregnenolone and/or DHEA are deficient, then adverse effects may onset.

Some of the negative effects of low DHEA levels include: low libido, physical exhaustion, dry eyes and skin, depression, mood swings, memory impairment, erectile dysfunction, pubic hair loss, muscle atrophy, joint and bone pains, insomnia, sensitivity to noise and/or chronically high stress.

Conclusions

Pregnenolone and DHEA are steroid hormone precursors which are imperative for health on various levels. Both of these chemicals decline significantly with increased age.

However, there are ways to naturally maintain optimal levels. A healthy diet, daily exercise and stress alleviation are key factors.

As with all brain and body chemicals, pregnenolone and DHEA are produced endogenously from certain raw materials. These include amino acid, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Increasing intake of high-protein, low-sugar foods helps to ensure availability of these nutrients.

Many people take pregnenolone supplements and DHEA supplements to help them boost their moods, defeat chronic fatigue, lose weight and improve overall well-being. Various other benefits are possible as well.

Always follow dosing instructions carefully on the pregnenolone and DHEA supplements you may use. Steroid hormones are powerful substances and can affect healthy strongly and rapidly. It is best to get medical advice before beginning to use these supplements.

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