Have you ever had those moments of frustration where you are trying to recall a word? It is right there at the tip of the tongue, just within your reach yet still miles away. Or are you having trouble sleeping lately? Despite the weariness of the entire day setting upon your shoulders, despite your mind and body being exhausted, you cannot catch a rejuvenating snooze? The answer to such quandaries may be pregnenolone.

What Is Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is a steroidal hormone that various organs in the body synthesize from cholesterol. These organs include the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. The adrenal gland may be famously known for the production of adrenaline. But it is the chief resident for the production of a myriad of hormones. After all, it is an endocrine gland. A pair of triangular glands that officially reside above the kidneys. Pregnenolone is also a precursor for hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, etc.

Most notably, pregnenolone is a neurosteroid. Neurosteroids are steroids that the central nervous system produces. High concentrations of neurosteroids are present in the brain as it improves transmission between nerves, protects the nerves, and aids in fast conduction within nerves.

What Exactly is the Function of Pregnenolone the Hormone?

Other than its neurosteroid properties, pregnenolone also increases the function of its hormonal derivatives.

Since pregnenolone is a precursor for estrogen and progesterone, it can activate their receptors in the uterus and ovaries. Therefore, pregnenolone supplementation can manage estrogen and progesterone levels, facilitating women with reproductive issues such as endometriosis, menopause, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Supplementing with pregnenolone will also increase testosterone levels, which can be incredibly beneficial for men. Testosterone is the key to men’s health, and managing its levels can improve libido, physical strength, erectile function and performance.

Looking at Pregnenolone Benefits as a Hormonal Profile

1. Maintains and Promotes Brain Function

The most FAQ on pregnenolone is very often about its effects on memory and cognition. Due to its neuroactive properties, pregnenolone is primarily recognized for its memory and cognition-enhancing functions. It modulates various receptors in the brain that:

• reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms (it is also known to help in postpartum depression)
• lowers stress
• improves and promotes deep sleep
• promotes learning
• protects against seizures
• may help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or senile dementia
• No claims are made of cures or prevention but merely on the work of pregnenolone the hormone itself.

2. Supports Neuropsychiatric Conditions

During the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, allopregnanolone levels (a metabolite of pregnenolone) are low. A 12-week study revealed that the administration of pregnenolone in individuals with bipolar disorder improved depressive symptoms. The use of pregnenolone as an adjunct for schizophrenia is promising. Various researches show that pregnenolone reduces the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These negative symptoms consist of anhedonia, apathy, lack of emotions, poor speech and thought process, a decline in social interest and skills, lack of motivation, and a lack of focus. The hormone pregnenolone also increases functional capacity in adults with schizophrenia.

3. May Reduce Lower Back Pain

Looking at any FAQ on pregnenolone you will always find the question “Does pregnenolone reduce back pain?” because many natural health supplements include it for this reason. In a study that involved US military veterans with chronic lower back pain, the neurosteroid levels were low or depleted. Over four weeks, these veterans were either given a placebo or pregnenolone. Veterans who were on pregnenolone noticed a decline in their pain intensity, whereas those on a placebo did not note any reduction.

4. May Help Relieve Arthritic Pain

Another hidden pregnenolone benefit is that it helps to relieve arthritic pain. A study reveals that in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the blood and synovial fluid (fluid within joints) levels of pregnenolone sulfate are low. Another study found that pregnenolone sulfate stimulates the influx of calcium within the synovial joints, a beneficial effect. Whereas it also blocks the secretion of hyaluronan, a substance that has an adverse action in rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Has an Anti-inflammatory Effect

Pregnenolone and its metabolites suppress the secretion of inflammatory promoting substances. Due to this effect, it can maintain the immunological environment in inflammatory conditions.

6. Beneficial for Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

In a 12-week trial pilot study involving adults with an autism spectrum disorder, the consumption of a pregnenolone supplement was effective in reducing irritability, improving social functioning, and reducing sensory abnormalities. Another study also found that the use of pregnenolone adjunct to an antipsychotic effectively diminished irritable behavior in adolescents. More studies need to be done on pregnenolone and autism.

7. Other Benefits

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a derivative of pregnenolone, has anticancer, antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and anti allergy properties. DHEA has shown to be somewhat beneficial for autoimmunity such as lupus erythematosus (SLE) and even as a help with muscle building.

Pregnenolone Side Effects and Cautions:

Pregnenolone is well-tolerated and safe in most people. However, it is still imperative to be aware of its side effects if it is not properly used. These include headache, hair loss, anxiety, diarrhea, tiredness, muscle pain, a decline in mood, and acne. Check with your doctor for the right amount of pregnenolone to take; if any at all for your personal profile. You may also consider saliva hormone testing at home.

However, the benefits of pregnenolone outweigh its side effects by miles. The above-mentioned enumerated benefits are just a few, and much more research is necessary to promote the consumption/use of pregnenolone. However, no one should be sleeping on this promising remedy. With its wide range of effectiveness, pregnenolone has a flourishing future in the world of health and science.