Pregnenolone is a natural occurring hormone in the body.
Researchers began experimenting with it in the 1940s, as it helped people suffering from stress and increased energy levels in patients suffering from fatigue.
But recently, more attention in the medical community has been directed towards cortisol, which seemed more promising, especially as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
There have been few recent studies on Pregnenolone side effects and effects, and of the ones that have been done, only two involved humans as subjects.



- Helps maintain healthy hormone balance
- Supports memory & brain function
- Boosts energy, metabolism & focus
Prgenenolone Research
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Pregnenolone is considered to be the “grandmother” of all neurosteroids. There is growing interest in how supplementation with this steroid could affect brain function.
Animal studies plus the results of early human trials show that this natural hormone influences nerve cell growth and can modulate mood in humans. It has been shown to have a profound effect on a broad range of functions of the nervous system.
Research has shown that Pregnenolone can improve memory, reduce the risk of dementia, while fighting depression and relieving anxiety.
Enhancing cognitive function is important to the aging population. Natural levels of pregnenolone becoming lower as we get older. As such, maintaining optimal levels becomes a top priority for ensuring mental faculties remain sharp in our later years. This is why there is such renewed interest in pregnenolone.
However, if this supplement is not used properly, Pregnenolone side effects can occur. It is important to consult with your physician about the right way to use this hormone before taking it.
Pregnenolone Adverse Side Effects
Because there have been so few studies on Pregnenolone it is advised that anyone using this supplemental hormone proceed with caution. There is anecdotal evidence that by taking this in high doses, or over long periods of time, there is a risk of adverse side effects:
Acne or oily skin – Pregnenolone is thought to convert to androgens in the body and this is the likely cause of this very common side effect. The acne can become severe, even cystic acne, which can show up days after ceasing the supplement. There shouldn’t be any long-term effect, but it could take weeks to clear up.
Anger, aggression, irritability or anxiety – Taken in low doses a person can ease into a state of relaxation, however at higher doses they can feel the opposite, becoming prone to anger, irritable and anxiousness.
Hair loss – People have been known to lose the hair on their head when using daily or for extended periods of time. This is possibly due to its conversion into DHEA, which then converts to testosterone and perhaps on to DHT. Hair loss may only occur in individuals who are predisposed to balding. Pregnenolone can also convert into progesterone.
Headaches – This is a common side effect when taking Pregnenolone in high doses or even in low doses over several days or weeks.
Heart palpitations or arrhythmias – This can occur even when taking a low dose of 5mg a day. This is a serious risk, especially for anyone having a heart rhythm disturbance or the elderly.
Some individuals have seen their heart palpitations subside although they continued taking the supplement, whereas others seem to keep having them and some have suffered serious problems as a result. Some users seem able to adapt and others do not and continue to have palpitations.
Insomnia and night sweats – Although low doses of Pregnenolone may be helpful for sleep, but only if taken in the morning. Otherwise it can cause one to become over stimulated and suffer from insomnia.
Due to a lack of research it is not know what effects Pregnenolone may have on the thyroid gland or other organs in the body.
Special Precautions: If a woman is pregnant or breast-feeding she should avoid taking pregnenolone. There is simply not enough information to state that this would be safe. If someone is under the age of 18, they should not take any hormonal supplement unless under the supervision of their physician.
Pregnenolone Is Not Safe in High Doses
Ray Sahelian, M.D. only advises people to take Pregnenolone in small doses of 5 mg a day, maybe 2 or 3 days in a week. He does not advise prolonged use and is adamant that Pregnenolone side effects will be more severe if taken in high doses.
He recommends that users should not take either pregnenolone or DHEA in high doses, sold over the counter. His advice is to always use hormones for short periods of time in low doses, taking frequent breaks.
Withdrawal
Pregnenolone can be very difficult to withdraw from, especially if taken over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms can include restlessness, extreme anxiety and nervousness. People have also reported becoming depressed, paranoid and fatigued when they tried to stop taking the supplement.
The recommendation is never to take it daily and especially for prolonged periods since the long-term effects of this hormone is not know. To withdraw safely reduce your dosage by 10mg a day, each week until you’re off.
Conclusion
Pregnenolone has been shown in some to improve cognitive function, memory, mental clarity, vision, energy, and a sense of wellbeing as well as libido in both women and men. It has shown promise as a brain enhancer, which could be helpful to those concerned about developing dementia.
Although adequate human studies are lacking, studies on rodents show that is a very powerful and effective memory booster. However the adverse Pregnenolone side effects are well documented. Anyone considering taking supplemental pregnenolone must proceed with caution and it is advised to take under a doctor’s care.
Article last updated on: May 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Please let me translate all your english stories into German? Would be really helpful!!!!Thank you!!Ilse Schmeller