Pregnenolone supplements are used to enhance cognitive functioning, raise energy levels, brighten moods and increase mental focus.
Pregnenolone is a hormone that demonstrates nootropic, antifatigue and hormone-modulating properties. It is necessary for the synthesis of nearly all other hormones; including progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, DHEA and cortisol.
Taking a pregnenolone supplement can help to improve adrenal functioning, especially in elderly individuals who have naturally declining levels of adrenal hormone.
Proper adrenal function is required for modulating blood-glucose, insulin and cortisol levels. Pregnenolone is also important for maintaining overall health, sexual performance and physical fitness.



- Helps maintain healthy hormone balance
- Supports memory & brain function
- Boosts energy, metabolism & focus
What is Pregnenolone?
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Pregnenolone is scientifically called 3-beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one and it is commonly known as P5. It is an endogenous steroidal hormone.
P5 is a precursor for other hormones including neuroactive steroids, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, progestogens, androgens and estrogens.
Pregnenolone also acts on its own as a biologically active neurosteroid. It has been studied for its effects on stress, fatigue, signs of aging, depression, memory enhancement, immunity and more.
However, there is limited modern clinical research into its effects when administered as an oral supplement. Most of the research has focused on its effects as an endogenous hormone that the body can produce on its own.
According to the Natural Medicines Database, there is insufficient evidence to rate Pregnenolone pills for their efficacy or safety.
As a supplement, it is recommended by a small number of natural health practitioners to alleviate low pregnenolone levels and is sometimes used instead of DHEA. Before taking Pregnenolone capsules, check with your doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.
Pregnenolone Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue and stress can include hunger, sleeplessness, depression, low temperature, irritability, weakness and poor concentration.
P5 is present in adrenal glands retinas, livers, testicles, ovaries, skin and the brains. It is synthesized mainly in the adrenals from cholesterol.
When the adrenals are affected by inadequate rest, sedentary living, poor nutrition and/or psychological stress, pregnenolone levels will decrease.
Pregnenolone supplements can help to maintain P5 levels and restore proper adrenal functioning.
Although pregnenolone is commonly used for combating adrenal fatigue, it also associated with other benefits, though there is limited research into the effects of exogenously administered P5.
Pregnenolone Supplements for Memory
Inside the brain, pregnenolone acts as a neurosteroid. It controls neuronal signaling and is known to influence memory and learning capacities.
P5 seems to be one of the strongest natural memory enhancers in animal research. It is about 100 times as effective at enhancing memory in mice than other steroids and steroid precursors.
Using Pregnenolone supplements has been reported in user reviews to positively affect intelligence, cognitive functioning, mood and performance capacities. It is also believed to significantly reduce mental fatigue induced by excessive levels of stress.
Pregnenolone Supplements for Impeding Aging
P5 is one biomarker of the aging process. By age 74, the average human will be producing about 60% less pregnenolone than when he or she was 35 years old.
Other hormones that decline with aging include progesterone, estrogens, testosterone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and growth hormone. Because all these other hormones are synthesized from P5, their levels decline in a parallel manner.
Adding a pregnenolone supplement to the daily diet is believed by some to help to maintain P5 and other hormone levels that have declined due to aging.
This may be beneficial for slowing down physical and mental decline which leads to chronic fatigue, loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, memory loss, hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and multiple other health disorders associated with the aging process.
Pregnenolone supplements seem to help to balance hormone levels. It is able to increase or decrease levels of other hormones as needed for maintaining hormonal homeostasis.
However, more research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of Pregnenolone tablets for addressing signs of aging.
Summary of Pregnenolone Supplement Benefits
The following benefits are associated with maintaining adequate levels of pregnenolone in the body:
- Maintains youthful hormones levels to combat aging;
- Balances levels of other hormones;
- Eases PMS and menopause symptoms;
- Increases mental and physical energy;
- Strengthens immunity responses;
- Aids in repairing myelin sheaths;
- Improves memory and learning;
- Inhibits the effects of stress;
- Protects neuronal health;
- Heightens the mood;
P5 has also been used for arthritis, endometriosis, allergic reactions, MS (multiple sclerosis), injuries, psoriasis, detoxification, seizures, trauma, Alzheimer’s disease, weak heart muscle repair, and weight loss.
Pregnenolone Supplement Dosage
Common daily dosage recommendation for pregnenolone supplements range between 5 and 20 mg.
Many users break the daily dosage into two separate doses; taken in the morning and afternoon. It is best to begin at 5 mg daily until you are aware of its effects on you.
Step up the daily dosage slowly until the full recommended amount is reached safely. Avoid usage in the evenings as some users experience stimulatory effects.
It is recommended to only take pregnenolone pills for a short period of time and to regularly cycle usage. Some have suggested the supplement should not be used for more than 1 – 2 weeks at a time.
To determine the best Pregnenolone capsule dosage for your needs, check with a qualified doctor who knows your medical history.
Pregnenolone Supplement Side Effects
There is very little information available regarding the safety and potential side effects of a Pregnenolone supplement.
Some side effects reported from supplementation include headaches, acne or oily skin, anxiety, irritability and hair loss in individuals pre-disposed to balding. Taking the supplement too late in the day can cause insomnia and night sweats.
More serious adverse effects could occur in individuals with heart conditions. Doses of 5 mg per day have been reported to cause heart palpitations or arrhythmias in some cases.
Pregnenolone should not be used for long periods of time as it could theoretically cause disturbances to normal hormone levels. Excessive or prolonged usage has been associated with skin problems, feelings of anger or aggression and sleep problems.
Those diagnosed with hormone sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate, uterine) should avoid usage of pregnenolone supplements without their doctors’ approvals.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use pregnenolone without a doctor’s permission. P5 safety has not been established in infants or adolescents.
It is best to seek medical advice before taking a pregnenolone supplement, especially if you have a serious health condition or take prescription medications.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment