Pregnenolone
Precursor to all steroid hormones (DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone) that also acts as a neurosteroid supporting cognition and mood.
Pregnenolone is often called the 'mother of all hormones' because it's the precursor from which all other steroid hormones are made, including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. It's synthesized from cholesterol and declines with age. Beyond its role as a hormone precursor, pregnenolone itself has cognitive-enhancing and mood-supporting effects, particularly as a neurosteroid that modulates GABA receptors.
Converts to multiple hormones
Direct brain effects
Negative modulator of GABA-A
How Pregnenolone works β from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta β pathways are being refined and expanded.
5-50mg daily
Loading: Start low (5-10mg) and increase gradually
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| πMicronized pregnenolone capsules | Recommended |
| πSublingual tablets | Alternative |
| π§΄Topical cream | Alternative |
Micronized forms have better absorption. Sublingual bypasses first-pass metabolism. Start low.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; monitor hormone levels
Note: Start with low dose and assess response. Morning dosing aligns with natural hormone rhythms.
Improved memory and mental clarity
Better mood stability
Improved vitality and energy
Can affect multiple hormone levels
Natural levels decline with age; test levels before supplementing
May interact with hormone therapy
May reduce sedative effects via GABA modulation
Both are steroid hormone precursors β combining may cause excessive hormone stimulation
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Reduce dose; may indicate progesterone conversion
Tip: Take in morning only
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Cho M et al. β’ The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry (2019)
βThe comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety supported the use of anti-inflammatory adjuvant therapy over the use of antipsychotics alone.β
Heringa SM et al. β’ Schizophrenia research (2015)
βEstrogens and SERMs could be effective augmentation strategies in the treatment of women with schizophrenia, although potential side effects, partially associated with longer duration use, should be taken into account.β
Komatsu Y et al. β’ Pharmacopsychiatry (2024)
βCompared to the placebo, ulotaront, xanomeline/trospium chloride, vabicaserin, bitopertin, estradiol, cannabidiol, rimonabant, and D-serine showed efficacy for positive symptoms; roluperidone and pimavanserin were effective for negative symptoms; and encenicline, tropisetron, pregnenolone, tolcapone, BI 425809, and valacyclovir improved cognitive function.β
Marx CE et al. β’ Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2023)
βPregnenolone (500mg/day) significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity and improved functioning in military veterans.β
Thavaraputta S et al. β’ European journal of endocrinology (2023)
βWomen with anorexia nervosa have higher cortisol levels and lower DHEA-S and testosterone levels compared to women without anorexia nervosa.β
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Tap node to isolate β’ Pinch to zoom β’ Tap edge for research