Pregnenolone is produced by the body and is the major steroid precursor in humans. It is converted into other hormones, including progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The body produces pregnenolone primarily in the adrenal glands. It is concentrated in animals in the adrenal gland, brain and gonads. As one ages, production of  pregnenolone naturally decreases. Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol.  Some speculate that this could mean that those who lower their cholesterol through cholesterol lowering drugs or diet might be lowering their pregnenolone levels as well. 

History
Research was conducted on pregnenolone in the 1940's and 1950's for symptoms of anxiety, fatigue and arthritis.  The results were very promising in providing relief without causing serious side effects.  Unfortunately, pregnenolone cannot be patented because it is a natural substance which is probably partially why research was focused on cortisol and it's synthetic derivatives.  The problem with synthetic derivatives of cortisol is that they can have serious side effects.

According to Dr. Atkins, in his book "Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution", Atkins center Doctors use Pregnenolone to treat any condition for which prednisone would be prescribed. such as arthritis, asthma, lupus and multiple sclerosis.  He states that pregnenolone isn't quite as strong as  prednisone but it does not cause the horrendous side effects of prednisone type drugs.

Memory and brain function
There have been several studies in recent years that indicate that pregnenolone supplementation improves memory and brain function in lab animals.  Apparently there is a significant correlation between the brain concentration of a metabolite of pregnenolone (pregnenolone sulfate) and brain function.  According to one investigation, rats with memory impairments exhibited low pregnenolone sulfate (PREG-S) concentrations compared to animals with correct memory performance. In addition, these memory deficits can be reversed by intracerebral infusions of PREG-S. ¹

Fatigue and Arthritis Pain
Studies conducted in the 40's are purported to show that pregnenlone effectively and significantly reduced fatigue and arthritis pain.

Estrogen related health problems
Due to pregnenolone's ability to convert to progesterone, it could become the treatment of choice for several estrogen-related health problems.  Certain forms of estrogen can cause an over-stimulation of breast and uterine cells.   Unless balanced by progesterone this can lead to breast cancer, uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breast disease. ²

Warnings:
As with all hormones, caution should be used with supplementation.  Supplementation with pregnenolone could cause problems in people with a history of seizures. Pregnenolone is contraindicated in those with prostate, breast and uterine cancer. Pregnenolone should be avoided by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. A reasonable approach would be to have blood tests done prior to supplementation and on a regular basis to monitor hormone levels.  Symptoms suggesting a dose might be too high could be bloating and fluid retention.
 
Before taking any supplements, consult with your health care provider.    This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  We do not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein.

Animal Testing Note: Web Shop Emporium occasionally lists references to studies that have been conducted on animals. We do not condone testing on animals but we feel it is a useless waste of their lives to ignore the health information that has been obtained in the past.  

We subscribe to the position of many, including The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, that there are other, more effective means of ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicaitons and other products

In an effort to help end animal testing, we only list cosmetics and supplements that have been produced by companies that do not use animal testing in their ingredients or products unless it is required by law.

 

Animal Testing Note: Web Shop Emporium occasionally lists references to studies that have been conducted on animals. We do not condone testing on animals but we feel it is a useless waste of their lives to ignore the health information that has been obtained in the past.  

We subscribe to the position of many, including The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, that there are other, more effective means of ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicaitons and other products

In an effort to help end animal testing, we only list cosmetics and supplements that have been produced by companies that do not use animal testing in their ingredients or products unless it is required by law.

For further information on animal testing please see:
Animal testing.  The basics and how to avoid buying products that are tested on animals.

References
1.  Mayo W, Le Moal M, Abrous DN.
"Pregnenolone sulfate and aging of cognitive functions: behavioral, neurochemical, and morphological investigations",
Horm Behav 2001 Sep;40(2):215-7
Article Abstract
2. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.,
"Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution, Nature's Answer to Drugs"
pg. 280-281