Pregnenolone

Specialist

also —

What it isPregnenolone is the "mother steroid" — the immediate downstream product of cholesterol from which all other steroid hormones are made.

DoesProvides substrate for cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and downstream sex hormones; also acts directly as a neurosteroid affecting GABA receptors.

GoodMid-range pregnenolone signals adequate substrate for steroid synthesis and supports mood, memory, and resilience.

BadLow pregnenolone tracks aging and chronic stress and may contribute to cognitive sluggishness and mood instability.

Standard

22–237 ng/dL.

Optimal

100–180 ng/dL (narrow target)

Modifiers

Falls with age and chronic stress.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Stress management; sleep.
Diet: Adequate calories and cholesterol-containing foods (eggs).
Supplements: Pregnenolone supplementation (10–50mg/day if low, with monitoring), DHEA, ashwagandha.
Peptides: —
Drugs: —

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