Pregnenolone (P5) Benefits for Weight Loss, Memory & Adrenal Fatigue

Pregnenolone benefits are purported to include weight management, memory, adrenal fatigue, depression and anti-aging effects.

Pregnenolone is an endogenous hormone, and a precursor to nearly all other hormones. Its modulatory effects help to keep estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, growth hormone, DHEA and other hormones balanced at optimal levels.

Maintaining proper hormonal balance is important for energy metabolism, sexual performance, cognitive function and general health. Taking a Pregnenolone supplement has also been linked to enhanced mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The benefits of Pregnenolone make it a popular supplement for men’s health, bodybuilding, athletic performance, brain power, longevity and for fighting signs of fatigue and stress. How does this hormone work and is it safe?

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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What is Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is marketed as a nootropic supplement, mood booster, energy enhancer and a weight loss pill. Many users report enhanced cognitive functioning, concentration abilities, happiness and athletic performance capacities.

Pregnenolone ((3 beta)-3-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) is more simply referred to as P5. In mammals, it is the primary steroid synthesized from cholesterol. Pregnenolone is mainly synthesized in the adrenal glands, but is also produced in the brain and gonads.

Pregnenolone is a prohormone that is positioned at the top of the hormone production cascade. P5 is often referred to as the “mother of all hormones”.

It is the precursor of the female sex hormone estrogen, the androgen testosterone, the sodium-regulating mineralocorticoid aldosterone – and the glucocorticoid cortisol.

Routinely taking a pregnenolone supplement may be helpful for improving sleep patterns, mood, stress tolerance, reproduction capacities, immunity, cerebral functioning, wound healing, inflammatory conditions, dermatologic health, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and more.

However, there are concerns about its side effects if used in high dosages or if taken for long periods of time. Research into this supplement is limited at present.

Pregnenolone Benefits for Adrenal Fatigue

Pregnenolone inhibits the effects of the adrenal steroids like cortisol. In times of physical, environmental and/or social stress, cortisol output is significantly increased.

This causes extra demand to be placed on pregnenolone synthesis. Increased pregnenolone is associated with increased energy, enhanced memory, elevated moods and sharper mental performance.

Many users of pregnenolone supplements claim that they experience increased well-being and more general contentment.

P5 may help individuals to better handle the stressors that affect them daily. Pregnenolone is used as an antiaging agent and is ksaid to revitalize the adrenal hormone cascade.

Possible pregnenolone supplement health benefits for adrenal fatigue include alleviation of related symptoms including chronic stress, chronic fatigue, food cravings, weakened immunity, low sex drive, low back pain, poor circulation, weight gain, joint pains, dizziness, dry skin, asthma, allergic reactions and dark circles under the eyes.

Note that in cases of advanced adrenal fatigue, using a pregnenolone supplement can worsen symptoms. Chronic fatigue may intensify and adrenal crashes may be triggered.

Pregnenolone Benefits for Memory and Learning

Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid; a steroid that quickly changes the excitability of neurons. By interacting with cell surface receptors and ligand-gated ionic channels, it modulates various brain functions. P5 is clinically associated with enhancing learning and memory.

P5 and its metabolites also promote neuronal activity by improving neuron survival, alleviating depression, enhancing locomotion capacities and targeting various proteins and receptors within cellular membranes and cytoplasm.

P5 is also known to stabilize microtubules, upregulate cellular ionic flux and encourage the release of dopamine.

Pregnenolone and other neurosteroids are under widespread clinical investigation concerning their potentials to provide novel therapies for various neurological disorders.

Pregnenolone Benefits for Weight Loss

By inhibiting certain effects of cortisol, pregnenolone helps to prevent the accumulation of abdominal fat.

P5 is also a known anti-stress, anti-anxiety agent; helping to diminish some of the triggers which may cause overeating. Further, increasing levels of this hormone can improve circulatory efficacy and cardiovascular performance.

Pregnenolone benefits for weight loss also include naturally boosting testosterone synthesis. Elevated testosterone is associated with maintaining a higher metabolic rate.

Also, by improving the mood, diminishing depression and sharpening cognitive skills, P5 may help to support long-term weight maintenance.

Pregnenolone Benefits for Depression

Conditions like bipolar disorder and clinical depression can be very difficult to effectively treat. The medication options currently available are associated with limited success and a risk of adverse effects.

In one randomized, placebo-controlled study, 80 depressed adults with bipolar disorder were monitored. Treatment group subjects received daily 500 mg doses of tritiated pregnenolone. After 12 weeks, various assessment scales were utilized to quantify results.

Results showed significant improvements in bipolar disorder symptoms. All beneficial results were also achieved without causing any serious adverse effects.

However, Pregnenolone has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for depression. If you feel depressed or have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, you should speak to your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.

Negative Pregnenolone Side Effects

With proper use, pregnenolone is not associated with serious adverse effects. However, excessive or prolonged use may cause acne, hair loss, headaches, insomnia and/or irritability.

Pregnenolone dosage recommendations range between 5 mg and 20 mg daily. It is best to begin at 5 mg and gently increase to the desired level. Increase the daily dosage slowly and monitor for any adverse effects.

Pregnenolone benefits and side effects for pregnant or nursing women have not been established. Usage in these groups is not recommended.

Pregnenolone may interact negatively with drugs used to treat hormone-sensitive conditions. Some of these conditions include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Pregnenolone benefits including helping to balance hormone levels, supporting sexual function, mental performance, energy levels and weight management.

P5 is the basic constituent (besides cholesterol) of all other steroidal hormones. Its biological and psychological actions are diverse and more research is needed to determine all of its effects when used as a dietary supplement.

To be sure that pregnenolone is safe for you, speak with a doctor who knows your health history and who knows about any medications you are currently taking.

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