Pregnenolone Uses for Adrenal Fatigue, Depression and Brain Power

Popular pregnenolone uses include improving memory, increasing energy, uplifting moods and regulating hormonal balance. This supplement is also used for menopause symptoms, fertility, PCOS in women and sexual performance.

Pregnenolone (P5) is the precursor of most other steroid hormones; including estrogens, testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, progesterone and cortisol.

Since almost all other hormones require pregnenolone for synthesis, their levels are affected by the availability of P5. Using a pregnenolone supplement can have broad effects on overall health and mental and physical functions.

While the role of endogenous pregnenolone has been well-researched, there is limited research into the effects of taking this hormone as a dietary supplement. It may have benefits as a hormone replacement therapy in aging individuals, but high doses can cause side effects.

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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Why Use Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone uses include enhanced vision, mental performance, sex drive, energy and boosting immune function. Some of the purported medicinal uses of this hormone include:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause;
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
• Allergic reactions and asthma;
• Fibrocystic breast disease;
• Multiple sclerosis (MS);
• Alzheimer’s disease;

According to the Natural Medicine Database, Pregnenolone is also used for weak heart muscle, endometriosis, depression, bipolar disorder, seizures, trauma, schizophrenia, poor immunity, prostate disorders, memory impairment and certain dermatological conditions.

However, it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of any medical conditions. More research is needed to rate the efficacy of Pregnenolone for these medicinal uses.

Pregnenolone for Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to refer to exhaustion of the adrenals; tiny glands that cap the kidneys. The adrenal glands are responsible for releasing cortisol and aldosterone.

They also are important for producing hormones that control the rate of metabolism in the body.

Adrenal gland actions are strongly related to immune function. The adrenals also help to modulate blood pressure. When the adrenal glands cannot function properly, various health disorders can develop throughout the body.

Using pregnenolone for adrenal fatigue can help to prevent or diminish associated symptoms including joint pains, muscle weakness, depression, irritability, low blood pressure, low body temperature, excessive hunger and/or poor mental focus.

Pregnenolone is synthesized primarily in the adrenal glands. It is also manufactured inside the brain and testicles.

When the adrenal glands become overworked, natural pregnenolone levels may drop. Taking a P5 supplement can help to restore pregnenolone levels and thereby enhance adrenal functioning.

Pregnenolone Uses for Improving Memory

P5 is a neurosteroid that works in the brain to modulate nerve signals between neurons. Pregnenolone also provides protection to myelin sheaths that surround individual neurons and play an important role in nerve transmission.

Pregnenolone is a known memory-enhancing agent. In animal research, it is about 100 times as strong as any other steroid tested for enhancing memory.

P5 supplementation is believed to not only improve memory and learning capacities, but also to increase mental clarity and executive function. Some have used Pregnenolone as a natural remedy for ADHD and ADD.

Pregnenolone Uses for Mood Disorders

Pregnenolone has been studied for its effects on bipolar disorder. In one 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled human trial, 80 adults with bipolar disorder were observed.

Randomly-assigned treatment group members received 500 mg of titrated pregnenolone daily. Control group subjects received an inert placebo agent instead.

Multiple assessment tests were employed at the study’s conclusion. Results showed improvements in bipolar disorder symptoms, with a good safety record. No serious adverse effects were reported from any subjects during this study.

User reviews also indicate that pregnenolone can have a positive effect on depression and anxiety symptoms, helping to lift mood and promoting feelings of well-being. It may work by increasing the body’s resistance to feelings of stress.

Pregnenolone as an Anti-Aging Supplement

Pregnenolone is required for the synthesis of other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Their levels depend on its availability.

Research shows that pregnenolone levels begin to decline as we age, which make this a target for Hormone Replacement Therapies.

Pregnenolone is a biomarker of aging. Specific P5 levels are indicative of certain age groups. A man in his thirties will produce about 60% more P5 than he will at 75 years of age.

Taking a pregnenolone supplement can help to elevate P5 in the body, and may be helpful at maintaining youthful hormone levels.

As an anti-aging supplement, Pregnenolone is used to reduce memory loss, weak libido, mental decline, chronic fatigue, chronic stress, hearing loss and other systemic dysfunction commonly associated with aging.

Summary of Pregnenolone Effects

In summary, pregnenolone is associated with the following effects:

• Slowing down the effects of aging and development of disease;
• Alleviating symptoms associated with PMS and menopause;
• Providing neuroprotection and enhancing memory;
• Keeping hormones optimized at youthful levels;
• Balancing moods and combating depression;
• Increasing efficacy of the circulatory system;
• Increasing mental and physical energy;
• Inhibiting the effects of stress and anxiety;
• Making the immune system stronger;

Pregnenolone Dosage Recommendations

No standardized dosage recommendations exist for pregnenolone supplements. Always follow the supplement manufacturer’s guidelines closely.

Common P5 dosing recommendations range between 5 and 20 mg daily. Dr. Ray Sahelian says that a maximum dosage of between 5 – 10 mg is acceptable, but higher doses may be unsafe.

It is recommended to cycle on and off your use of this supplement to allow the body’s natural hormone levels to reset themselves. Short-term use of less than 5 days is unlikely to cause side effects, but longer term use required observation from a physician.

Pregnenolone Adverse Effects

Pregnenolone adverse effects may include headaches, irritability, acne, hair loss, insomnia, and hyperstimulation. These side effects are more likely when using high doses of this supplement for prolonged periods of time.

Use is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. There is not currently sufficient data to rate P5 safety in infants or children. Do not use in conjunction with testosterone, estrogen or progesterone medications.

It is always best to seek medical advice when considering a supplement. Although short-term pregnenolone usage at low doses may be safe, certain individuals may be contraindicated for use and it could interact negatively with medications.

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