Using pregnenolone for weight loss may be effective, but there is limited research into the use of this hormone as a dietary supplement.
Excessive body weight and obesity may result from endocrine disruption, gut bacteria imbalances and chronically unmanaged stress. Taking Pregnenolone may address certain hormonal causes of weight gain.
Pregnenolone is a hormone from which many other hormones are derived. More specifically, pregnenolone is the precursor of all C18, C19 and C21 steroids.
Increasing pregnenolone helps to ensure adequate production of androgens like DHEA and testosterone, the estrogens, corticosteroids like aldosterone and glucocorticoids like cortisol. This supplement may support fat loss and promote muscle gains if used properly.



- Helps maintain healthy hormone balance
- Supports memory & brain function
- Boosts energy, metabolism & focus
Pregnenolone for Weight Loss
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Pregnenolone supplements are used to restore healthy hormone levels in the body, which may contribute to weight loss and increased energy levels.
This supplement can support a weight loss program that include a healthy diet and exercise program by helping improved mood, physical vitality and levels of important muscle building and fat burning hormones.
To understand how pregnenolone may be helpful for weight loss, it is necessary to understand a bit about cortisol. Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.”
Along with adrenaline (epinephrine), it is the chemical released to prepare our minds and bodies for emergency situations. Notably, cortisol levels are higher in obese people relative to lean people.
Cortisol and Weight Gain
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid steroid hormone. It is synthesized mainly in the adrenal glands. Like all hormones, its levels change constantly in response to internal and external stimuli.
When stress is perceived, the hypothalamus signals the adrenals to release both adrenaline and cortisol after receiving the order from the pituitary gland. Stress can be defined as any stimulus that causes inflammation.
When cortisol and adrenaline are released systemically, the following occurs:
- Digestion is halted and appetite is suppressed;
- Immune system activities are suspended;
- Fat cells release stored energy;
- Increased blood pressure;
- Increased respiration rate;
- Increased alertness;
- Muscles tense up;
After the stressful situation is resolved, cortisol then helps to restore hormonal homeostasis by upregulating protein conversion to glucose. This causes rapid restoration of energy availability.
Cortisol acts next to stimulate the appetite in order to regain carbohydrates that should have been lost during the fight or flight just completed. This can inhibit weight loss efforts and cause over-eating.
Obesity and Pregnenolone Depletion
Cortisol is a vital hormone and plays an important role in the body. However, when chronic stress is experienced, excess cortisol levels can occur.
As a result, the body will direct available pregnenolone to be used dominantly for cortisol synthesis.
This means that production of other hormones, like testosterone and estrogen for instance, will be halted.
When stressful triggers continue to be present, the excess synthesis and release of cortisol continues. This can result in chronic deficiencies in other hormones and increase the risk of obesity and weight gain.
Current statistics show that men and women are developing hormonal deficiencies far earlier in life than they used to. More people than ever are now opting for hormone replacement therapies.
Pregnenolone is the precursor for more than 150 different steroid hormones. Synthetic hormone replacement therapies are associated with various potentials for adverse side effects. Using pregnenolone for weight loss may help to balance hormones naturally.
Positive consumer reviews state that pregnenolone supplements help with Addison’s disease, premenstrual syndrome, CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), adrenal insufficiency, mood swings and memory impairment.
Pregnenolone for Weight Loss Dosage
There are no established pregnenolone dosages to use for weight loss. There has been little research into the effects of exogenously supplemented pregnenolone for fat loss and no studies have been conducted to determine optimal dosages.
Common dosing recommendations for Addison’s disease and certain other conditions range from 1 to 10 mg daily. Many health professionals recommend limiting usage to one week before cycling off.
Do not use pregnenolone supplements long-term as this could disrupt the body’s natural hormone production and result in withdrawal symptoms.
Pregnenolone for Weight Loss Side Effects
For most people, proper oral use of pregnenolone is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Some people have experienced irritability, anger, aggression, insomnia, overstimulation, rapid heart rate, anxiety, hair loss and headaches with prolonged or excessive use.
Because pregnenolone converts to testosterone and the estrogens, it may increase the effects and/or side effects of common hormone replacement agents.
Do not supplement with pregnenolone if you have hormone-sensitive cancer. These conditions include breast, colon, prostate, ovarian and uterine cancer – as well as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Conclusions
Using pregnenolone for weight loss may or may not be effective. More research is needed to make any determinations.
Pregnenolone supplementation may help to ensure proper availability of steroid hormones in the body, which can support weight management and muscle gains.
Maintaining healthy weight levels in the long term involves eating a healthy diet, balancing hormones, exercising, managing stress and getting enough hydration.
Pregnenolone may be helpful for boosting energy, restoring proper adrenal functioning and enhancing mood – all of which can support weight loss.
Although various health benefits may stem for supplementation, pregnenolone should not be looked at as a first-line strategy for weight control.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment