Pregnenolone Dangers, Health Risks, Withdrawal Symptoms & Interactions

Pregnenolone dangers are not well understood and there is a risk of adverse effects if this supplement is overused.

In the 1940s and 1950s, pregnenolone was being explored for its potentials for treating adrenal dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis and fatigue. In these studies, pregnenolone was never associated with any metabolic side effects.

However, reliable human research since then has been very limited. According to some medical experts, high dosages of Pregnenolone could be dangerous and could result in negative effects on natural hormone balance.

High doses may increase the risk of hair loss, cause dizziness, increased estrogen levels and other side effects associated with an increase in steroid hormone production. What should you know about using pregnenolone supplements in order to stay 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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Pregnenolone Dangers

Pregnenolone is an important hormone that is a precursor to all other steroid hormones. Some of these include DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and the estrogens.

Pregnenolone may induce positive effects on sleep patterns, libido (sex drive), memory, aging and moods. As a supplement, it is used for bodybuilding, weight loss, energy and cognitive function.

However, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there is not sufficient reliable information available to make determinations about pregnenolone dangers.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use pregnenolone supplements. It should be kept away from children. The dangers of pregnenolone supplementation may include certain side effects and drug/disease interactions.

Why Is Pregnenolone Banned in Some Countries?

In some countries, like Canada and Australia, pregnenolone is illegal to purchase without a prescription.

In the US, California recently issued a label warning for all DHEA and pregnenolone supplement products.

It states that pregnenolone may cause increased risks for cancer and cardiovascular disease, visual disturbances, dizziness, lipid imbalance, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth), increased estrogen levels and other steroid-related effects.

However, there seems to be no compelling evidence that safe pregnenolone usage at appropriate dosages causes these or other adverse effects.

To the contrary, many scientists refer to the fact that many millions of people have used pregnenolone supplements for more than twenty years now. No serious pregnenolone dangers have been documented – either in research literature or the US FDA’s database.

Many researchers believe that DHEA and pregnenolone are both safe for dietary supplementation purposes. They assert that these precursor hormones are not only well-tolerated, but increasingly necessary with age.

Natural production of pregnenolone, as well as DHEA, testosterone and other important chemicals decreases with age. Pregnenolone supplementation may safely help to restore more youthful hormonal balance in health-conscious adults.

Safe Pregnenolone Doses

While the debate about the safety of this supplement continues among medical experts, it seems there is no debate about the fact that excessive use can be dangerous. In most cases, this supplement is cycled at a low dosage to prevent tolerance and other side effects.

Pregnenolone dangers are more likely at high doses. Many doctors agree that it should be used sparingly, especially until its effects are better understood with more research data.

Common dosing recommendations begin around 5 mg. Initially, this dose should be taken only 2 or 3 days weekly. This amount can be increased gradually and should not exceed 10 mg daily except with a doctor’s permission and guidance.

Another pregnenolone danger to be mindful of is withdrawal. This hormone can be difficult for some users to cycle off of, which is recommended by physicians.

If taken for too long, pregnenolone supplements may cause anxiousness, nervousness and restlessness. Some people have reported depression, paranoia and fatigue resulting from cycling off usage.

By keeping doses low, and taking them only a few to several days weekly, most pregnenolone side effects can be avoided. When it is time to cycle off, reduce supplementation frequency and amounts slowly over a few weeks.

Pregnenolone Health Benefits

Pregnenolone is made primarily in the adrenal glands, but also in the brain, spinal cord and sex organs. Cholesterol is its precursor (source).

In laboratories, pregnenolone is manufactured using wild yam. Many western doctors are using pregnenolone for patients who wish to avoid the possible adverse effects commonly associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapies.

Extensive animal research and preliminary human research suggests that pregnenolone enhances nerve cell development and helps to modulate moods.

It is also known to affect a wide range of nervous system functions. Evidence shows that pregnenolone may combat anxiety, alleviate depression, decrease dementia symptoms and improve memory.

Aging populations desire natural methods for maintaining and enhancing cognitive functioning. As we age, our levels of pregnenolone are often adversely affected by chronic stress, environmental toxins, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle habits.

Over time, these factors cause cognitive capacities to decline. When used properly, pregnenolone may help to sharpen mental faculties.

Research has also implicated pregnenolone for the following indications:

• Helping alleviate joint and bone pains associated with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and gout;
• Raising brain levels of acetylcholine, possible benefitting Alzheimer’s patients;
• Helping treat symptoms of depression, schizophrenia and chronic anxiety;
• Combating addictive behaviors associated with chemical dependency;
• Reducing symptom expression of premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
• Helping to combat the effects of chronic stress and fatigue;
• Boosting memory and preventing memory loss;
• Decreasing total average cholesterol levels;

These therapeutic uses have not been validated by reliable human trials. More research is required to demonstrate efficacy for medicinal uses.

Conclusions

The most common pregnenolone dangers of concern for most users are headaches, hair loss, irritability, anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia, night sweats and/or acne.

NMCD states that pregnenolone may interact with other steroid hormones. It may intensify or weaken their effects.

There are moderate risks for adverse interactions with testosterone, estrogen and progestin replacement agents. The effects of pregnenolone on thyroid hormone are currently unclear.

Pregnenolone is believed to improve memory, learning, energy levels, eyesight, sex drive and wellbeing in both male and female adults. It seems to be effective at enhancing neuronal health and improving brain functioning.

It is important to seek medical advice about pregnenolone dangers and possible benefits as they pertain to your unique health state. It is best to use pregnenolone supplements under a doctor’s care to reduce potential health risks.

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