Pregnenolone cream applied topically is purported to support healthy body functions and hormone levels.
Pregnenolone is the chemical precursor of various other hormones; including the estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and aldosterone.
Some people use pregnenolone cream products for pain and fatigue. Men use this prohormone primarily to boost their production of testosterone.
Women use it to help ease perimenopausal symptoms; like hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness.
Human research on pregnenolone cream and supplements is very limited. To date, there is no reliable information concerning the effects of pregnenolone administered exogenously (outside the body).
There are a number of popular pregnenolone cream products sold on Amazon. The best-selling product is Life-Flo Pregnenolone, which has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating, based on 42 customer reviews.



- Helps maintain healthy hormone balance
- Supports memory & brain function
- Boosts energy, metabolism & focus
What is Pregnenolone?
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Pregnenolone is a natural substance produced from cholesterol. It plays an important role in adrenal function, sexual function and supporting the body’s ability to respond to stress.
Pregnenolone levels in humans tend to decline sharply with age. In many people, levels begin to drop off after the age of 35 years. By age 55, the body is producing about 30% less than it did at 35. And by the age of 70, pregnenolone production rates decrease by about 60%.
Pregnenolone supplements and creams have been marketed for boosting levels of this steroidal hormone. These supplements are sometimes promoted for adrenal fatigue, aging, sexual performance and weight loss.
There is no standardized formulation of pregnenolone creams. Various strengths are marketed, from 10 to 150 mg.
Pregnenolone Cream Research
A search of PubMed yields only 2 results for the search term “pregnenolone cream”. No abstracts or data is available from the studies. One was conducted in Germany and the other in Czechoslovakia.
There have been more than 6000 studies on the effects of Pregnenolone in the body. However, most of these studies have looked at the effects of endogenous Pregnenolone that is manufactured in the body.
There has not been as much research into the use of oral Pregnenolone supplements for boosting levels of this hormone. Its effects continue to be explored concerning anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, cannabis intoxication, alcoholism, steroid synthesis and more.
Research shows that people with affective disorders are likely to have low levels of pregnenolone in their cerebrospinal fluids. This seems especially true in those experiencing active depressive episodes.
One study showed that pregnenolone can affect the length of slow wave sleep phases. This effect is believed to be caused by inducing antagonistic activities of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors inside the brain.
Pregnenolone Cream Uses
Pregnenolone creams are commonly taken for anti-aging effects. This product is advertised to, “Promote healthy youthful balance.”
Some people use pregnenolone to boost energy and increase overall well-being. Others consider pregnenolone helpful for enhancing memory and thought clarity, but more research is needed to validate this claim.
In rodents, pregnenolone demonstrates strong memory-improving effects. It is possible that it increases a brain chemical called acetylcholine in the hippocampus.
However, this result needs to be replicated in humans before any definitive memory-enhancement claims can be made.
Pregnenolone Cream for Menopause
In women who are about to enter menopause, levels of estrogen begin to decline. In some women, this causes vaginal dryness, hot flashes, dry skin and certain other symptoms.
Some perimenopausal women use pregnenolone cream products because they may boost DHEA levels, which in turn may raise estrogen levels.
However, pregnenolone cream may also raise testosterone levels and cause symptoms like acne, unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) and irritability.
Pregnenolone Cream for Men
Men often use pregnenolone cream products to naturally raise testosterone levels. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for modulating muscle mass and body fat. It is also imperative for maintaining healthy libido (sex drive), sperm count and penis erectility.
Some pregnenolone gets converted to progesterone, and subsequently to testosterone. Other progesterone gets converted to estrogen. Men with breast enlargement (gynecomastia) often have low testosterone and excessive estrogen. Pregnenolone cream might help to balance these sex hormones.
Research suggests that levels of progesterone and testosterone seem to increase and decline together. For instance, when men are sexually aroused, levels of both chemicals increase. Pregnenolone cream usage might help to increase progesterone synthesis in the body.
Progesterone is known to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase; the enzyme used to convert testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Excessive DHT is one of the causes of male problems like benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and male pattern baldness. Inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase promotes upregulated testosterone synthesis.
Pregnenolone Cream Side Effects
Using pregnenolone cream products comes with certain risks for adverse side effects. In men, the most common side effects include aggressive behavior, hair loss and elevated estrogen levels.
Other common pregnenolone cream side effects for men and women include application site skin irritation, rapid heartbeat and overstimulation. Other possibilities include blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety and anger.
Side effects may be more likely to occur when using this product for long periods of time. Some doctors recommend using this supplement for no more than two weeks at a time and regularly taking breaks from its use.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use pregnenolone creams. People with certain medical conditions should also avoid use. Some of these include heart disease, enlarged prostate and hormone-sensitive cancer.
Conclusions
Pregnenolone cream products are natural supplements which are not reviewed by the US FDA. No standardized dosing recommendations have been established.
Hormones like pregnenolone can have powerful effects. Slight alterations in their levels can yield major physiological effects. Doses as low as 1 mg may cause significant effects. Always cycle off usage periodically to reduce chances of adverse effects.
There is currently no clinical proof that pregnenolone creams can improve health in any way. If you believe that using pregnenolone cream may benefit you, then talk to your doctor about it. Be sure to mention all medications, herbs and/or supplements you may use.
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Article last updated on: April 23rd, 2018 by Nootriment