Pregnenolone
Hormones marker
Pregnenolone
The upstream precursor of all steroid hormones, synthesised from cholesterol and sitting at the top of the pathway that branches toward DHEA and the androgens on one side and progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone on the other. Also acts as a neurosteroid.
PED Notes
Sometimes supplemented by bodybuilders on the theory that boosting the master precursor raises downstream DHEA and testosterone, but the evidence for that cascade in men is weak: supplemental pregnenolone reliably raises pregnenolone and its sulfate but does not consistently lift testosterone. On AAS, endogenous pregnenolone is typically suppressed along with the rest of the axis. Note this platform already suggests pregnenolone 25-50mg/day as an adjunct elsewhere (see the DHEA marker); this entry tracks the measured serum level rather than the supplement.
When high
When elevated:
- Most commonly from pregnenolone supplementation itself; review any over-the-counter neurosteroid or "hormone support" products
- Rarely, elevation reflects a steroidogenic block lower in the pathway (for example 3-beta-HSD issues) causing precursor build-up, or an adrenal source; interpret alongside 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol
- No treatment is needed for a supplement-driven rise beyond stopping the supplement if levels or side effects (irritability, insomnia, altered libido) are a concern
When low
When low:
Context: Pregnenolone declines with age and is suppressed by exogenous steroids and by chronic glucocorticoid exposure. Low levels are common but rarely treated in isolation.
Supplements (if symptomatic and cleared by a physician):
- Pregnenolone -- 25-50mg/day; may support mood, memory, and neurosteroid tone; does not reliably raise testosterone, so do not use it as a substitute for treating hypogonadism
- DHEA -- 25-50mg/day is a more direct precursor if the goal is downstream androgen support; monitor oestradiol and lipids
Lifestyle:
- Address chronic stress and poor sleep, both of which drain the pregnenolone pool toward cortisol production
- Support overall steroidogenesis with adequate dietary cholesterol/fats, vitamin D, and zinc
- Consult a physician before supplementing hormones, especially if using AAS, given interaction with an already-perturbed axis
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range