Pregnenolone side effects and benefits 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, is your dosage too high?
Pregnenolone is a natural hormone that cannot be patented. Back in the 1940's, when researchers started experimenting with its use, they realized that it could be helpful for people under stress and it could increase energy in those who were fatigued. However, about the same time, cortisol, another closely related hormone, was discovered. Cortisol stole the limelight. When cortisol was given to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, there were outstanding short-term improvements. Photographs of these remarkable recoveries were circulated and the medical community was impressed. Scientists basically put pregnenolone aside to focus on cortisol. The structure of cortisol was altered to make similar molecules such as dexamethasone and prednisone, much more powerful steroids. Dexamethasone and other similar corticosteroids could be patented, and thus a pharmaceutical company could make a lot of money by owning patents.
Benefits
Some people find pregnenolone improves energy levels, vision, memory, clarity of
thinking, wellbeing, and often sexual
enjoyment. Some women report lessening of hot flashes or premenstrual symptoms.
Studies in rodents show it to be one of the most effective and powerful memory
boosters. This hormone may increase levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus and other
memory regions in the brain. However, it is not risk-free.
Cholesterol
Do DHEA and pregnenolene help in treating
high cholesterol? I have been taking them for about 6 weeks.
They are too dangerous to make them first line
therapy for cholesterol elevation. There are many other safer options to first
try.
Eyesight and vision help
I was reading your web info about this hormone
and saw the note that it can quickly improve eye sight. I then realized I was
reading tiny text on my blackberry! I normally need my glasses to see text that
small. So I picked up the smallest text I could find and I could easily read it.
I took a large dose 100 mg for 2 days. How does it improve eye sight so fast?
We are not sure how it works to improve eyesight, it may have to
do with influencing the retina. However, high dosages are not safe and we
suggest using the least amount that works for your needs.
Lutein is also helpful for visual health,
this nutrient is found in the retina of the eye and often combined with
zeaxanthin in vision improving formulas.
Mind and memory enhancement
I am a university student in London. I am
studying towards a double degree of Law and Medical Science. As you can imagine,
it is quite taxing mentally. With a background in Pharmacology I have always
been on the lookout for various cognitive enhancers. I am curious as to the use
of pregnenolone as a nootropic. I have researched a fairly widely, and your
commentaries have sprung up frequently. I am 25 years old, and my only interest
regards any possible enhancements in memory and/or concentration. Do you think
that it serves those purposes for a youthful adult? Or is it mainly in
its use as a supplement (to re-establish normal levels in older persons
deficient in the hormone) where benefits in cognitive ability are seen. I
realise that high levels have been show to cause arrhythmia in patients. Do you
think that if I were to take the supplements, that I would have to reduce the
dose somewhat, as I would likely have naturally higher concentrations of the
hormone than older patients anyhow? If so, what dose would you recommend?
This natural hormone is only to be used occasionally and in
low dosages. There are safer nootropic
supplements, including acetyl l carnitine, ginkgo biloba, certain B vitamins,
and others.
Frequency of use
I bought a bottle but am not sure about how to take it. I read on one website
that one should do 'vacations' and not take it every day. Is that 3 days on and
4 days off?
There are no strict guidelines on how to take it since
each person has a different need or response. As a general rule, there should be
a good reason for taking this hormone, and the least amount and frequency should
be used.
Side effects of
high dose pregnenolone tablets or capsules discovered by
Ray Sahelian, M.D..
These side effects can occur on 10 mg and are very likely to occur when
people take 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg
Overstimulation and insomnia. Insomnia can lead to fatigue and
exhaustion. Some people feel sleepy after they take a pregnenolone supplement.
Irritability, anger or anxiety
Acne can occur on the face or on the back
Headaches can occur that can be quite discomforting
Possible scalp hair loss if used daily for prolonged periods
Irregularities of heart rhythm, palpitations on high doses
Unknown effects on the thyroid gland or other organs
Pregnenolone danger
We're still in the early stages of learning about its full
effects on the human body.
It is best to proceed with caution until more information is available. This means using
the lowest effective dose and seeking supervision by a knowledgeable health care provider.
There are some medical or psychiatric conditions where it can be used
temporarily and then stopped. With this conservative approach, it is unlikely that any
problems would arise. Our major uncertainty at this time involves its long-term
use as hormone replacement therapy, especially if high doses are used.
Pregnenolone can also cause heart palpitations in high doses.
With time, as more and more people use this hormone, we'll have a
fuller understanding of its benefits and side effects. Those who have already found pregnenolone to be helpful in terms of mood elevation, stress reduction, arthritis help,
visual and auditory enhancement, and so forth, but are concerned about unknown long-term
effects, may feel more comfortable using pregnenolone only as needed and frequently taking
time off from it. Taking these "hormone holidays" will mitigate any potential
unknown risks.
Daily use over prolonged
periods should be no more than 1 to 3 mg unless you are closely followed by a health care
practitioner familiar with the clinical uses of this hormone. Current dosage available
over the counter, such as 25, 50, or 100 mg are TOO high. If you purchase a 10 mg pill or
capsule, take a portion of it if you plan to take it on a regular basis.
Heart problems,
rhythm disturbances, palpitations, rapid heart rate, arrhythmias
At first, I didn't listen fully to your
precautions but after only several days of taking 10 mg pills
sublingually, i experienced heart excitability and fast rate. I can almost say it puts me into
sort of a high space. My goal was to increase memory and energy levels not to
get high. Is it better to take twice a week on consecutive
days or space it out lets say on Mondays and Fridays.
It is better to take this supplement in the least dosage
required and as infrequently as needed.
How is Pregnenolone made?
There is a type of plant called a wild yam that is grown in certain parts of the
southern U.S. and in Mexico. This wild yam contains a compound called diosgenin that is
the precursor to steroid hormones. In a laboratory, diosgenin is converted into
pregnenolone. Further laboratory processing can convert pregnenolone into DHEA. The human
body does not have the ability (the required enzymes) to convert diosgenin (a six ring
structure) into pregnenolone (a four ring structure). Therefore, if you swallow pills that
are extracts of wild yams (diosgenin), you will not get pregnenolone or DHEA. The
conversion of diosgenin to pregnenolone has to be done in a laboratory. If you want
pregnenolone or DHEA, the bottles you buy must say that they contain actual pregnenolone
or DHEA, not extracts of wild yams or diosgenin.
What form is best?
Oral
pregnenolone pills work well. Sublingual or micronized are also good options.
Can I take pregnenolone if I'm already on DHEA, estrogens, or
other hormones?
Since both DHEA, pregnenolone
and androstenedione have some similar effects (however, they have
differences, too), you should lower your dose of
DHEA when you go on pregnenolone
or
testosterone
treatment. The
lowering of the dose should by the same amount as the pregnenolone dose. Before you add
pregnenolone, though, make sure you try it separately to see what kind of effects it has
on you, Once you know how you react to
DHEA and pregnenolone separately, you can then
combine them. The amount of conversion of pregnenolone to estrogens is not fully
known. Progesterone
has some overlapping effects to DHEA and pregnenolone. The role of pregnenolone
hormone supplement use for
menopause is a possibility that has not been studied adequately.
7-keto dhea is related to
DHEA hormone as has been used as a libido booster. HGH
is available by a doctor's prescription, do not buy those available over the
counter that are promoted to be effective.
Pregnenolone
blood level - normal range of pregnenolone
What would be considered a normal and/or
optimal pregnenolone level for a 43-year-old female? From what I have read, this
hormone naturally declines with age. Can you please provide normal levels and
corresponding age ranges for pregnenolone. Is there any research available
pertaining to the causes of pregnenolone depletion? Finally, if one is taking
pregnenolone in order to raise a low level of this hormone, do you have any
information on how long and how much should be administered?
Hormone testing -
how reliable is saliva testing for hormone levels?
Different labs seem to have different normal ranges for pregnenolone. One lab has the range listed between 0.1 and 3 ng/ml. We found
another lab that has the range for pregnenolone as 0.1 to 25 ng/ml. Another lab
listed normal pregnenolone range to be 20 to 150 ng/ml. Most list a normal range
of pregnenolone as 10 to 230 ng/ml. We have not seen any specific research on pregnenolone depletion.
This hormone is made in the adrenal glands and it is likely that factors that
influence the adrenal glands as a whole influence not only pregn but the
other hormones made by the gland. Pregnenolone use as a supplement, the dosage
required, and the length of time used is made on a case by case basis. The only
general statement that can be made is to using this hormone in the least dosages
possible and for the least period of time necessary. At this time, we are not
convinced that pregnenolone dosage, in terms of supplementation, can be
accurately determined by blood tests. If you provided ten doctors with a
pregnenolone level of a patient and asked to recommend a starting
supplement dosage, you may get ten different dosage recommendations.
There could also be variations in pregnenolone levels on different
days, so a one time level does not necessarily mean that the serum
level is that level all the time.
When pregnenolone levels are very low
(14) can progesterone help to correct that? Have you encountered situations
where someone seems to be resistant to absorbing pregnenolone? For instance, no
change on lab report after taking for weeks. In cases like that, are there other
options to boost it in the body?
Many doctors and patients have a tendency to focus too much on
blood levels of hormones rather than treating the whole person. Blood levels may
not reflect what is actually going on within tissues or cells. Blood levels
could be normal yet there could be excess and harmful amounts of the hormone and
its actions, within cells.
Emails
Well I am a 34 years of age, male and in good health. I have
noticed that even on 2.5 mg of pregnenolone I get enhancement in vision, sounds
and also an over all absorption in my surroundings but I also get mild anxiety
which I don't know how to counter. I can't focus on or sense memory improvement
because of the interference from anxiety. Hope i can find a way around this
anxiety...lets see.
I came across some information on pregnenolone while doing research on the internet. I have been seeing a
nutritional consultant for about the past six months, and after a saliva
analysis to test my hormones after I had a miscarriage in July '06, he
determined that I was in need of lowering my cortisol levels and slightly
boosting my progesterone (nothing major) to help rebalance my hormones. He put
me on 100mg that I take as a single dose in the morning. After
reading pregnenolone side effects on a website, I started to get nervous since
we have been trying to conceive again for the past six months with no luck. I am
26 years old, and my husband and I have one healthy 18-month old, so getting
pregnant has never been an issue for us in the past. I have been seen by two
different OBGYNs to assess whether or not there is anything anatomically wrong
with me, which both doctors have determined that there isin't by doing
ultrasounds and bloodwork. My husband has also been tested and his analysis came
back fine as well. Do you think that the pregnenolone could be the cause of us
not being able to conceive again, and if so, what measures I should take to wean
myself off of it?
It is impossible for us to know in your particular case whether pregnenolone is the cause of not being able to conceive and we are not in a
position to offer individual advice. We would suggest your nutritional
consultant read the cautions on pregnenolone high dosage use.
Q. I I was put on 20mg four
years ago by a doctor who was trying to lower the level of hydrocortisone dosage
I was placed on for chronic fatigue syndrome. I was unable to lower the
hydrocortisone dosage -- and also found it difficult to stop the pregnenolone.
Last spring I tried to lower the the dosage and immediately got mouth sores.
Went back on it, and they went away. In December tried to lower the
hydrocortisone and a range of symptoms suddenly appeared. It now appears that I
may have systemic lupus erythematosus. I fear that the impact of the
pregnenolone on my immune system may have lead to this current awful place. My
neurologist wants me to lower the pregnenolone as he thinks it may be implicated
in my lupus -like symptoms, which include peripheral neuropathy, but he knows
nothing about it. I don't know if you have any thoughts on this matter. At any
rate, please feel free to use this as a cautionary tale in relation to
pregnenolone side effects and usage.
A. We have not heard of lupus like reactions,
perhaps the hydrocortisone dosage may have had an influence or it could have
been a coincidence. Nevertheless, perhaps the pregnenolone dosage can be reduced
by 1 mg a week.
Q. I recently came across Dr. Ray Sahelian
web site while researching pregnenolone, after being prescribed it by my doctor.
I did extensive research, as well as talking with my doctor, and after reading
dozens of websites or excerpts from books about how safe it was, and having
virtually no known toxicity or side effects, I found his. So, I understand that
there's always two sides to a story (I'm used to that being in the alternative
health field), but I simply don't understand how there can be so many books,
studies, websites, etc out there that say flatly that pregnenolone, except in
extremely high doses (if that) will have NO side effects whatsoever, but Dr.
Sahelian is adamant that even LOW doses do. I'm confused as to how these other
researchers, many doctors themselves, have missed the obvious side effects? I'm
not meaning to sound negative, but it's frustrating trying to figure out who is
"right" and who isn't.
A. What sets Dr. Ray Sahelian apart from most doctors is that he
takes the supplements he writes about, including pregnenolone, in varying
dosages and has first hand experience. Plus, he has feedback from patients and
thousands of people who write to him regarding their experiences. Furthermore,
Dr. Ray Sahelian has integrity and will mention side effects of supplements and
not try to hide them. It is ultimately up to each individual to obtain
information from various sources and determine which is the most reliable and
believable.
Q. I am 46 yr old female, Asian, muscular
and lean 120 pounds, very athletic, and in optimal health. 2003 found Uterine
Fibroids and that was removed. Using Progesterone cream after the surgery kept
the returning fibroid to grow slowly. Started having irregular periods in 2005
so I have been on DHEA 25 mg a day since (9 months) and have been getting
regular periods within 2 months..... fuller breasts and nothing else changed.
Serum test in Feb 07 showed low Progesterone and Pregnenolone levels so I
started taking Pregnenolone 50 mg a day for the last 6 weeks. Within 3 weeks
started having VERY full, sore, aching breasts nipples and hormonal PMS lower
back and upper thigh aches. Did seem to kick in libido., in a negative way.
Became worse as the weeks went on. I stopped completely both DHEA and
Pregnenolone and the tenderness is going away daily. I was advised to stop DHEA
and stay with Pregnenolone because Pregnenolone is a slower converting hormone
by the foundation I was purchasing it from....doctor on staff. Is that true?
Which do you advise me to experiment with? I will stop for awhile.
1. DHEA alone
2. Pregnenolone alone
3. or combination but in what doses?
I will continue on Progesterone cream however since that helps
balance out my estrogen levels. The blood test show my estrogen was a bit high,
testasterone (and free T) normal and the rest were normal with excellent lipid
profile.
A. We can't give individual advice. Hormones, even over the
counter, are extremely potent. We suggest you read all the cautions on this
website regarding the potential side effects of DHEA and pregnenolone. These
hormones should not be used casually. They are meant to be used for those who
have a serious deficiency in the production of these hormones. Other natural
options such as diet, exercise, relaxation, yoga, and natural non-hormone
supplements should be tried before resorting to the use of hormones. And if they
are used, they should only be taken in the lowest effective dose for the
shortest period of time required for symptom relief.
Q. I was wondering if you could comment on
whether the blood test for pregnenolone is useful for determining a deficiency?
My doctor ordered the blood test and I was below the detectable level
(<10ng/Dl), the range given as "normal" was 10-200 ng/Dl. She has recommended
taking 10mg/day for awhile to bring the level back up.
A. There is no agreement in the medical community as to the
appropriate dosage of pregnenolone to be used as a supplement in those who are
deficient. As to hormone replacement, the whole clinical picture has to be taken
into account as opposed to just one value of a hormone tested in one particular
day.
Q. My doctor prescribed a 100 mg/cc
pregnenolone trans-dermal cream to be applied 1/2 cc two times a day. She wants
me to do this treatment for 4 weeks and then re-take labs. Does a 50 mg
pregnenolone oral dosage twice daily equate to a 100mg daily dosage
transdermally or is only a certain percentage of pregnenolone absorbed through
the skin.
A. We have not seen any studies comparing the absorption of
pregnenolone taken as a pill versus a pregnenolone cream. There are a number of
variables. Oral pregnenolone is absorbed from the intestinal tract and goes
through the liver first and somewhat modified. transdermal pregnenolone will not
have this first pass effect through the liver. The amount of pregnenolone
absorbed through the skin depends how the cream product is formulated, in other
words what kind of agents are used in the cream besides pregnenolone, the part
of the body where you apply it, and your particular dermal absorption may be
different that another person's absorption through skin. But, most importantly,
it is important to read the cautions on pregnenolone use since this is not a
hormone to play with carelessly.
Q. I am reading Dr. Sahelian's book,
Pregnenolone. I have not taken the hormone yet, but I notice that Young Living
Essential Oils sells a product called PD 80/20. The amount of pregnenolone is
640 mg and DHEA 160 mg. That is so very excessive that it seems dangerous. Here
are the stats:
PD 80/20 is a dietary supplement formulated to help maximize internal health and
support the endocrine system.* It contains pregnenolone and DHEA, two substances
produced naturally by the body that decline with age. Pregnenolone is the key
precursor for the body's production of estrogen, DHEA, and progesterone, and it
also has an impact on mental acuity and memory.* DHEA is involved in maintaining
the health of the cardiovascular and immune systems.*
Pregnenolone: 640 mg per serving, DHEA: 160 mg per serving
How to use: Start with 1 capsule per day, then increase to 2 capsules per day as
needed.
A. The dosages of pregenenolone and DHEA appear to be quite
excessive and potentially dangerous if it truly contains 640 mg and 160 mg.
Q. I was just wondering how much
Pregnenolone is safe to take? I'm a 48 yrs old, male, and I've had my blood
tested by "LabCorp". The test indicated that I could safely take 50 mg per day.
Does that sound about right if the test indicated that I was deficient by 50 mg
of pregnenolone hormone per day?
A. Lab tests for pregnenolone are not a reliable way to determine
the required or beneficial dosages to supplement with. Pregnenolone is potent
and potentially dangerous hormone if misused.
Q. About three weeks ago, I had my
progesterone and DHEA tested. Both were low. We did not test my pregnenolone or
testosterone. I am currently taking progesterone and 7-Keto DHEA, but I just
read that 7-Keto dhea does not raise your DHEA level. If progesterone and DHEA
levels are both low, could this possibly mean that pregnenolone may be low also
since it converts to progesterone and DHEA? Could simply supplementing with
pregnenolone balance levels of both progesterone and DHEA?
A. The whole issue of hormone supplementation is very complicated
and there are no simple answers. It is possible that taking pregnenolone could
elevate levels of progesterone and DHEA. However one must focus on treating the
whole body rather than treating hormone levels. If a person feels well and has
no major symptoms, there is no point in taking hormones even if certain hormone
levels happen to be slightly low. There is a danger supplementing with hormones
and it could turn out to be counterproductive.
Q. I have come across your website
while searching for info on pregnenolone. I am a long distance runner from South
Africa and want to know if it is illegal for athletes to use pregnenolone? I am
45 years old and found that my energy levels are increased markedly by the use
of this steroid.
A. We are not sure whether athletic organizations test for
pregnenolone, some may, others may not. Pregnenolone does increase energy levels
but it could also cause heart rhythm problems.
Q. I was given 100 mgs of pregnenolone
supplement by a chronic fatigue specialist. I had a heart attack and 3 stents. I
am confirming what you say concerning dangers of pregnenolone high doses.
PLEASE, PLEASE get the word out.
A. Can you give us more details?
Q. My case is complicated, but I think will
eventually support what Dr. Sahelian suggests. Within a few days of being put on
100 mgs of pregnenolone hormone, I had a heart attack and 3 stents. But let me
digress. I have had chronic fatigue syndrome since 2004. I was first diagnosed
in August of 2006. I followed Jacob Teitelbaum's protocol through my brother who
is a family physician. Finally, in November of 2007, I went to a chronic fatigue
syndrome CFS specialist because I needed more specialized care. Prior to that,
my brother had done many tests......... blood, heart etc etc. In September of
2007 I had a stress test done. I passed that test with flying colors ( however I
understand it is not fully accurate.) The other 2 tests results never made it
back to him until just before the heart attack ( 1/30/08) They revealed that I
had a severely hypokinetic left ventricle septum and an ejection fraction of
49%. The chronic fatigue syndrome CFS specialist did not request those test
results and proceeded to give me 100 mcgs of pure T3 hormone and 10 mgs of
hydrocortisone on December 24th. I could not take the hydrocortisone and got
extremely ill. I quit it in early January. By the time of my next appointment on
January 22, 2008, I complained that the T3 was making me extremely
hyperirritable. He reduced it to 87.5 mcgs. At that time I was given 100 mgs of
pregnenolone to add to my protocol. I started it on January 23rd. On Sunday
January 27th I started with symptoms of chest pain. They went away and came back
3 times that evening. ( I thought they were indigestion problems because they
started with dinner). They did not return until January 29th. in the evening. At
1:30 AM ( 1/30) I again woke with pains that resulted in crushing chest pain and
other symptoms. As I said, this is a complicated case, but may reflect what Dr.
Sahelian is suggesting. High doses of pregnenolone can result in atrial
fibrillation. This is what the ER doctor diagnosed me with before sending me on
for a heart catherization. Prior to this I never had a single heart problem. No
blood pressure problems, cholesterol issues, weight issues etc etc. In fact, I
looked like the picture of health other than my chronic fatigue syndrome CFS. As
I was researching, I came across Dr. Sahelian's website and thoughts. I do not
think it an accident that this happened within a few days of the high
pregnenolone dose.
Q. I took Pregnenolone for several years ... one 50 mg capsule each day. For the last couple of years, I have noticed that my hair is much thinner than it used to be and I was puzzled until I read in Mind Boosting Secrets that Pregnenolone could have that effect on hair. Immediately I discontinued taking Pregnenolone. That was about six months ago but I have not seen any difference in my hair. My question is: if this hormone is responsible for my hair thinning, can its effect be reversed by discontinuing the use of this hormone? While, I am female, have always had thick hair, and am now 70 years old ... my family history shows no sign of hair thinning or balding in either sex ... quite the reverse ... a good head of hair into old age.
Q. I am on a program for migraines called
the Dzugan Method Migraine Program and currently they want me to take 200 mg
pregnenolone in the am and 100 at lunch along with a litany of other
supplements. Currently I am taking 100 mg in the AM and 50 at lunch and when I
saw that you said, “Trust no one who says to take more than 5 mg a week,” it
scared me. I would love to know if I am putting myself in danger here. I feel
awful at the moment but am coming off Prozac per Dr. Dzugan’s instruction so
that could be the problem.
A. We stand by our cautions about high dose use of pregnenolone.
I appreciate both the thoroughness and
the caution of your website. I'd like to ask you if you recommend pregnenolone
for people (in their sixties) with low DHEA. Are low doses of hormones like
pregnenolone and DHEA good or bad or in between for people with heart disease?
Hormone supplements such as DHEA and pregnenolone should only be
used if there is significant deficiency in these hormones that are leading to
clinical symptoms. When taken as supplements, only low dosages should be used.
Each person is unique and we don't make wide ranging generalizations that all
people over 60 should or should not take these hormones. It is a case by case
evaluation.
Q. If someone has adequate serum levels
of DHEA does that mean that pregnenolone is not needed since the DHEA is in a
sufficient range. Can one have adequate DHEA and still need pregnenolone? Which
is the best way to test the pregnenolone levels-saliva or serum?
A. The term adrenal fatigue is not a helpful term for diagnosis or
treatment. We prefer treating and evaluating the whole person and the symptoms a
person has rather than overly focusing on levels of hormones or blood studies.
If adequate DHEA levels are present, then it is likely that adequate levels of
pregnenolone are also present. Blood levels of pregnenolone are more consistent
and easier to interpret than saliva levels.
For years and years my pregnenolone level
has been in the teens. As of late, 14. In the past I've tried supplements that
didn't even move my level at all. I just recently began taking Life Extension
brand (1 week) pregnenolone 50mg. I've started taking 2 -4 pills per day as
suggested on the bottle. I don't feel any different.
I'm wondering if I don't absorb the pills? Could there be an issue and I need
sublingual? I also take compounded pregnenolone cream with dhea and cortisone.
And, progesterone cream. As you may expect, I'm hypothytroid and am on Cytomel
and Levoxyl. I have extremely dry skin, dry brittle hair and nails, puffy face,
(I'm not overweight though), constipation, memory issues etc.. Any information,
advice direction would be greatly appreciated. My doctor has no explanation for
me.
It is not easy for us to know or make suggestions based on
limited information. But, as a general rule, rather than focusing on changing
levels of a hormone in the body, it is preferable to address the overall health,
signs and symptoms in a holistic, comprehensive manner. Excess hormone use can
be counterproductive.
- I am a 67 year old man. For the last 12 years ,I have been dealing with a pelvic rotation problem. I have been to many specialist looking for help. I accidentally stumbled on Acti-Flex by Free Life. I began taking one a day, in no time I felt like a new man. I order some more and took one tablet five or six times a week. In about one year I was running low so I re-ordered again. In one month on the new supply, all my problems returned. My research on the matter turned up the fact that they had dropped the 50mg. of pregnenolone from the product. I called them, talked to a Dr. Mandell, trying to get the product, but no luck. I have tried the health food store Pregnenolone With the Acti-Flex and without. But could not achieve the same results. This really affects my quality of life.
I have been taking pregnenolone now fairly continuously for about eleven years. I look and feel as good as I did when I was 43, eleven years ago when I started taking pregnenolone ! I am a 54 year-old Male. I started in 1997. I started with the 25 mg Source Naturals dose, but I have taken up to 50 mg ( for three months, while under very high stress), and as low as 5 mg. per day. most of the eleven years I took 10 mg day, fairly religiously. After about two years on pregnenolone, I found your web site. Since then, I have taken hormone holidays- usually three days, once a month, or when I run out. The most prominent effect I notice is when I stop taking this supplement. During the second and third days of my 'hormone holiday' I become fatigued and a bit depressed, and tend to make mistakes. I have never noticed negative side effects that I could trace to the pregnenolone while taking it. No heart palpitations, no acne. Before pregnenolone I tried taking DMAE, which gave me anxiety, confusion, and a funny feeling which may have been heart palpitations- not sure. Anyway, it wasn't the supplement for me... For the money, I'd say pregnenolone has really returned on my investment well. But I recommend that people do NOT stop taking it at a time when they need to make important decisions or work under stress. Try to coordinate your hormone holiday with a time of rest. Then it is tolerable.
I am a 71 year old male, diagnosed with low testerone. Dr. prescribed injections which I took for several weeks, but was not totally satisfied with the results, as side effects of difficult nightime urination seemed to outweigh the benefits. I found your web site and decided to try the 10mg sublingual pregnonolone. I used 5mg per day for a month or more and it helped some, so I decided to try 2 per day (20mg) and have been on this for about 2 weeks. I think this is about right for me. The results are better than the testerone injections, the side effects are comparable, but tolerable, and the effects don't go from high to low between injections. So far, I've had no heart irregularities or increased hair loss. Hopefully this will be a stable condition.
I have bought pregnenolone 30 mg from a
source. Now I read Dr Sahelian paper where he advised to not go higher than 5
mg. I was thinking of diluting my 30 mg capsules in water and divide the doses
accordingly. Do you think that the pregnenolone solution would keep its potency
if refrigerated?
We are not sure how long this hormone stays effective in
solution form. Most likely it can last a few days, but this is just a guess.
Could you provide some insight for using
pregnenolone during perimenpause. I do not want to do traditional western RHT. I
think it is too much of a point solution. For one year now, I am taking herbal
supplements to support the production of estrogen and take a bio-identical
progesterone cream 1 week / month (50% of recommended amount). However, the
perimenopause symptoms are increasing and I am really not very interested in an
estrogen patch. I realize hormones are a tricky business - and less is more.
(symptoms are not seeing thru the nite, hairloss, mood impact, very irregular
period). What are your thoughts on supplementing with pregnenolone - still at
the <5mg level with hormone holidays and for a limited period of time only. It
seems that this could be helpful for women with peri-menopause. Or do you think
it is better just to stick with estrogen and progesterone?
It is not possible to predict any woman's response to herbs
or various hormones, or what dosages would be effective, but if your doctor
approves it is worth a try to use low dosages of this natural hormone.
I have been taking 100 mg of pregnenolone
under the guidance of a doctor for over a year along with DHEA 25mg (monday -
friday) I have had no negative side effects. It seems to help with my arthritis
and increased energy. I do weight training 4 x a week and at 60 yrs. old I'm
toned and strong. I know you can't answer personal questions but this might be
of interest of others in the same position. I am travelling to Brazil in a few
weeks and was told to get a yellow fever vaccine. I went to a Travel clinic for
a consultation and advice and was told that I could not get the Yellow Fever
Vaccine as I was taking the natural hormones pregnenolone and DHEA which they
told me are precursors to a steroid. I have had the doctor who prescribed them
and he has told me that I can get the yellow fever vaccine. The travel doctor
checked with her pharmacy and they printed off a information page which stated
MAJOR risk. I consulted another pharmacy and and they said it "should" be okay
to get the vaccine as the hormones are "natural". Do you or your team have any
reliable source that will clarify this controversy over yellow fever vaccine and
pregnenolone? I've very confused and hope I don't have to cancel my travel plans
because of it.
We have not seen any specific studies regarding the
interaction of these hormones with yellow fever vaccine. This may be why there
is confusion on this topic and it is difficult to know whether the use of these
natural hormones will interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine.
I am a 46 year old woman and have been
taking 30mg of pregnenolone for about two weeks (I had planned on experimenting
with lower doses later). I feel it has had a grounding effect, I have less
anxiety and it has given me more energy. I was surprised that it worked so
quickly. I had planned on taking it for two weeks on and two weeks off, taking
it after ovulation until the onset of my period. I am scheduled to have an
epidural steroid injection next week and I was wondering how this might interact
and if I should discontinue taking it. The date of the injection is close to the
day I planned to stop taking it for two weeks but my concern is what my happen
when I resume two weeks later. My doctor doesn’t know of any interactions.
We have no experience in this regard, but as a general rule
it is best to avoid supplementation a few days before and a few days after a
procedure.
I had 5400 gcy radiation to the head along
with a radical cranio-facial resection for Esthesioneuroblastoma in 1990. Around
2000, my pituitary started failing from this. I am on replacement doses of
hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, testosterone inj. and DHEA. When my hormones
started failing, I developed tachycardia and hypoglycemia. Side effects are
mammary gland enlargement, male organ shrinkage, severe ED, and decreased
libido, and depression. in 2003 Gliosis also showed up on my yearly MRI. I also
have arthritis throughout my body now. I did get the VA to perform an argnine
stim test for cortisol, with a stim result of less than 1.20.Is there any
information on whether pregnenolone would help with any of these side effects?
home - tongkat ali