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Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid and the precursor of roughly 150 adrenal steroids. It is the source of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), testosterone, aldosterone, progesterone and the estrogens.
As we age, levels of pregnenolone and related hormones begin to decline, which can result in changes to metabolism, mood, energy levels and sexual health. Levels of neurosteroids like pregnenolone also serve as accurate biomarkers for the diagnosis of various disorders.
Taking the appropriate dosage of a pregnenolone supplement may help with boosting energy and promote better physical and mental performance. However, pregnenolone can also cause negative side effects, especially if overused or taken at high doses.
While there are no standardized pregnenolone dosage guidelines provided by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, we can use evidence from research studies as a guide. Certain medical experts also have provided recommended dosage schedules for cycling this supplement.
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Top Pregnenolone Products* ❯What is pregnenolone used for?
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Pregnenolone is used for a number of different health conditions, including adrenal fatigue, to support weight loss, boost cognitive function and enhance energy levels.
Pregnenolone supplements may also be taken to promote libido and fertility in men and women. It is sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes as well.
According to the Natural Medicines database, this supplement is also given orally for impeding aging, menopause, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), stress, Alzheimer’s disease, fatigue, memory enhancement, fibrocystic breast disease, weak heart muscle, allergies, prostate disorders, psoriasis, MS (multiple sclerosis), lupus, poor immunity, endometriosis, arthritis, depression, seizures, scleroderma, injuries and trauma.
Not all of these uses have been well-researched. There have been some clinical studies on the effects of this hormone when used as an exogenous supplement. However, we know more about its natural function in the body than the results of taking additional dosages of pregnenolone to increase levels of this hormone.
Clinical Research on Pregnenolone
Research on pregnenolone was ongoing during the 1940s. It was being explored for its apparent effects for increasing energy and alleviating arthritic symptoms.
However, because it is a natural steroid, it cannot be patented. This means there is little incentive to conduct research on the hormone by pharmaceutical companies. Since the 1940s, there has been very little mention of pregnenolone supplements in medical literature.
Although pregnenolone is believed to be safe when taken appropriately, there is little information available concerning its safety and toxicity. There is insufficient clinical data available to determine its effectiveness for any given therapeutic purpose.
Pregnenolone Dosage for Menopause
One of the reasons Pregnenolone supplements are used is to address low hormone levels that are linked to aging. An example is the changes in hormone levels that occur when a woman goes through menopause.
Hormones are chemical messengers. They travel through the circulatory system and carry signals that affect the function of many different systems through the body.
Ovaries are the sources of key reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These chemicals act to regulate menstruation, fertility, pregnancy and lactation in women.
When a woman enters menopause, her ovaries become less reactive to two other reproductive hormones: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
As menopause progresses with age, the ovaries often become less able to synthesize and secrete reproductive hormones. This causes FSH and LH to become unable to regulate the actions of testosterone, progesterone and the estrogens.
Pregnenolone is called the “Grandmother of all hormones” and is known to modulate the activities of other hormones, as well as being the source (precursor) from which they are synthesized.
Gradual estrogenic depletion affects all body systems. An effective pregnenolone dosage may help to combat the estrogen decline experienced by most menopausal and postmenopausal women.
Some pregnenolone supplement user reviews report improvements with menopause and PMS symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, low energy and depression. Some preliminary studies have used 10 mg daily pregnenolone dosages for PMS.
Pregnenolone Dosage for Weight Loss
Like menopause, weight loss and healthy weight management are intricately related to the actions of various hormones.
Pregnenolone seems to promote hormonal homeostasis. Balanced hormones accommodate more efficient metabolism. Fats are burned more rapidly, appetite is properly regulated, energy synthesis is upregulated and sleep becomes more restful.
An effective pregnenolone dosage will help to moderate the synthesis and utilization of estrogens. This can help the body to stop storing fats and water away in the cells.
Further, pregnenolone seems to improve glucose utilization, helping to increase energy and decrease insulin insensitivity.
What is the best pregnenolone dosage level?
The best pregnenolone dosage level for a given individual will depend on several factors. Some of these include gender, age, health history, therapeutic target, exercise level, diet, medications used, supplements used and stress management effectiveness.
Many pregnenolone supplement users report significant effects at very low dosage levels. Some endocrinologists recommend beginning supplementation at 1 mg per day. Both beneficial and adverse effects should then be monitored for.
If you notice any adverse effects developing, then reduce the pregnenolone dosage or discontinue use altogether. If you notice no adverse effects, yet no beneficial effects after a couple weeks, then step up the dosage slightly and repeat the process.
In this manner, you may safely determine an effective pregnenolone dosage level for your unique therapeutic purposes.
Although some users take much more, many endocrinologists agree that dosages of pregnenolone should not exceed 10 mg daily. Hormones are powerful chemicals and can cause wide-ranging short and long-term effects.
When used appropriately, hormones can yield significant health benefits. However, when used improperly, even small amounts can cause serious adverse effects.
can cause steroid-related side effects.
Some people report hair loss, agitation, mood swings, headaches, overstimulation, heart palpitations, arrhythmias, insomnia and restlessness. Normally, these effects result from prolonged usage or acute overdoses.
Pregnenolone supplementation should be cycled on and off. Step down pregnenolone dosages gradually when cycling off – and take frequent breaks from usage. This is recommended to prevent potential withdrawal symptoms or interruptions to natural hormone synthesis.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use pregnenolone without medical supervision.
Even low pregnenolone dosages can interact negatively with estrogens, testosterone, progesterone and DHEA supplements.
Pregnenolone may also interact adversely with hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Seek medical advice concerning the best pregnenolone dosage for you.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment