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Pregnenolone
A hormone the body makes from cholesterol and turns into other hormones, including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Research on supplements is limited and mixed.
Commonly used for
- Low pregnenolone on a blood test
- Mood and memory (early, mixed research)
- Some adrenal and hormone protocols (with a practitioner)
Found naturally in
- Made by your body from cholesterol, mainly in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and brain
- Not found in foods, and wild yam doesn't convert to it
Label red flags
- Wild yam listed as a source of pregnenolone
- Adrenal, memory, or 'hormone balance' blends that include pregnenolone without stating how much
- Starting it without baseline hormone testing
Check with a provider
- Hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Taking hormone therapy, birth control, DHEA, or steroid medicines (it can raise other hormones)
- PCOS or high androgens (it may raise testosterone)
- Signs of excess, such as acne, hair changes, irritability, trouble sleeping, or changes in your cycle
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameAdrenal support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMemory and mood formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameSome menopause formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameAdrenal support formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameMemory and mood formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameSome menopause formulasComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Adrenal glands
These small glands on top of your kidneys make cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which manage energy, blood pressure, and your stress response.
Brain & nerves
Your brain, spinal cord, and nerves carry every signal in your body, from movement and sensation to mood and memory.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.