Pregnenolone side effects and Pregnenolone benefits

Pregnenolone is a natural hormone that cannot be patented. Back in the 1940's, when researchers started experimenting with the use of pregnenolone, 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. Also see pregnenolone additional research by Ray Sahelian, M.D..

Benefits of pregnenolone
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 pregnenolone to be one of the most effective and powerful memory boosters. Pregnenolone may increase levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus and other memory regions in the brain. However, pregnenolone is not risk-free.

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Side effects of high dose pregnenolone tablets or capsules
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
Headaches
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 pregnenolone and 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 pregnenolone 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 the long-term use of pregnenolone 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 of pregnenolone 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.

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 of pregnenolone 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 and pregnenolone  have some similar effects (however, they have differences, too), you should lower your dose of DHEA when you go on pregnenolone. 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.

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?
   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. Pregnenolone is made in the adrenal glands and it is likely that factors that influence the adrenal glands as a whole influence not only pregnenolone 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 pregnenolone 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 pregnenolone serum level is that level all the time. Please keep us updated on your experiences with pregnenolone, and you may ask your doctors to read the pregnenolone page regarding the cautions.

Pregnenolone email
Q. Pregnenolone : 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.

Q. 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 of pregnenolone 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?
   A. 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 am confused by some advice that I read on a website. In regards to DHEA and pregnenolone, Dr. Ray Sahelian states "I do not feel comfortable with the high dosages of DHEA and pregnenolone sold over the counter. I think a maximum of 5 mg is acceptable". However, in an interview he gave to Life Enhancement, he is quite optimistic about the safety and benefits of both DHEA and Pregnenolone in higher doses and even speak of a patient that he put on 20mg of pregnenolone and 10mg of DHEA, with positive results. Did he change his opinion about the safety of DHEA and pregnenolone?
   A. Yes, after further experience, Dr. Ray Sahelian has realized that DHEA and pregnenolone hormones are much more potent than he first understood them to be, and hence he has revised his dosages lower.

Q. I, perhaps, too late have read your warning about pregnenolone side effects. I was put on pregnenolone at 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 pregnenolone 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 to pregnenolone usage, 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. Do dhea & pregnenolene help in treating high cholesterol? I have been taking them for about 6 weeks. But I have read your web page and am concerned.
   A. DHEA and pregnenolone are too dangerous to make them first line therapy for cholesterol elevation. There are many other safer options to first try.

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. I bought some pregnenalone 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? I have been taking the recommended 'bite' on mondays, tuesday, wednesdays. Is this the kind of rhythm?
   A. There are no strict guidelines on how to take pregenolone 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.

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.

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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.

Additional links
Androstenedione is a hormone made from DHEA which in turn is made from pregnenolone.
Tongkat Ali is a small tree found in the jungles throughout Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Studies show that Tongkat Ali produces a dose-dependent increase in mounting frequency of treated animals.
Tribulus Terrestris, also called "puncture vine," is a plant long used around the world for the treatment of various ailments. Tribulus may work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve endings.
Testosterone treatment information.

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.