About Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone precursor ('mother hormone') that the body converts into DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. A few small psychiatric RCTs (Marx 2009 n=18, Ritsner 2010 n=58) showed cognitive benefits in schizophrenia at 30–500 mg/day. No RCTs exist for general wellness, memory, or anti-aging claims in healthy individuals. Because it directly alters hormone levels, supplementation carries risks that typical supplements don't — it can convert unpredictably into different hormones depending on individual metabolism. Not recommended without medical oversight.
What Pregnenolone supports
- Small psychiatric trials suggest cognitive improvement (not in healthy adults)
- Precursor to multiple steroid hormones (DHEA, progesterone, cortisol)
How much Pregnenolone to take
Clinical studies typically use 30–100 mg of Pregnenolone. General supplement range 30–100 mg/day. Psychiatric RCTs used up to 500 mg/day (Marx 2009, Ritsner 2010) but these doses are not recommended without medical supervision. This is a hormone, not a vitamin.
- Effective range
- 30–100 mg
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence. Only small psychiatric RCTs (n=18–58). No evidence for general wellness use. Hormone precursor with unpredictable conversion — not a typical supplement.
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