Feeling stressed, sluggish, or not quite yourself lately? These feelings are more common than you might think and could be linked to your hormone levels.
Hormonal fluctuations are part of life in women, occurring not only through different life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause but also during each month's menstrual cycle. If you're experiencing chronic symptoms of sluggishness and fatigue, it might be worthwhile to discuss with your healthcare professional the possibility of undergoing a hormone panel to check your levels.
Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring hormone precursor to many other hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol. Its different actions in the body are key to maintaining homeostasis.
Pregnenolone supplementation works by giving your body an external source of the hormone, which may then support the body's natural process for balancing hormone levels in the body, which may affect mood regulation, cognitive function, stress levels, and immune function — as these are all influenced by the careful balance of different hormones.
We're not here to suggest that taking pregnenolone supplements will work universally or cure anything. We're here to present what the science says about the compound to give you a better understanding so you can seek the professional advice you need. We also want to show you the top pregnenolone supplements on the market to provide you with a better idea of what to look for in quality products should you decide it's the right choice.
What Does Pregnenolone Do?
Our bodies naturally produce pregnenolone, which is then converted into other key hormones, each with specific roles in maintaining health and balance within the body. Pregnenolone is at the top pathway in the steroid hormone cascade, which is why it's often called the "mother hormone."
Pregnenolone is first synthesized from cholesterol in the mitochondria of the adrenal glands, gonads (ovaries and testes), and the brain. The body can then create progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA.
These hormones are responsible for various aspects of health, including mood and cognitive function, stress response, metabolism and energy levels, reproductive health, and immune system regulation.
When pregnenolone levels are low, it can lead to the reduced availability of its downstream hormones, which could contribute to hormone imbalances, cognitive and mood disorders, as well as metabolic disruptions, which could affect weight gain, difficulty managing stress, and risk of metabolic syndrome.
Does Pregnenolone Work for Women?
As the precursor to several major hormones, pregnenolone's impact on wellness can be wide-ranging. It can be used in men and women. Still, in this article, we'll explore the effects of hormone imbalance in females, specifically the research on potential pregnenolone benefits.
Hormonal Balance and Menopause
Menopause marks a significant change in a woman's body, marked by the end of the menstrual cycle. This phrase can bring about many symptoms due to a disruption in hormonal balance.
Pregnenolone supplementation may help women during menopause through its role as a precursor to other hormones whose levels drop during menopause, potentially supporting symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes [1].
Cognitive Function and Mood
The brain contains a high concentration of pregnenolone, which is part of the synthesis of neurosteroids that modulate brain function and neurotransmission.
Some studies suggest that pregnenolone supplementation might enhance memory, cognitive performance, and mood stability [2]. However, findings are mixed, and large-scale studies must confirm these effects.
Healthy Weight Management
Specific studies have not yet been conducted on pregnenolone use for weight management. Existing research mostly focuses on hormone balance and stress, two factors for maintaining a healthy weight.
Cortisol, a.k.a. the stress hormone, influences appetite, and high levels of it have been linked to cravings for high-calorie foods and weight gain. By contributing to cortisol regulation, pregnenolone can help manage stress-induced weight changes [3].
Healthy Libido
Hormonal fluctuations significantly affect libido. Pregnenolone, being a precursor to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, may play a role in maintaining a healthy libido [4]. Studies exploring this connection have shown promising results, indicating that pregnenolone supplementation could support sexual health.
The Best Pregnenolone Supplements for Women
When selecting a pregnenolone supplement, choosing products from trustworthy brands that have passed third-party lab testing and sticking to strict quality control processes is important.
We've curated the following supplements because they tick all the boxes and come in dosages that align with the research, ensuring you're getting the good stuff that actually works.
- Neurogan Health Pregnenolone Tablets
- Life Extension Pregnenolone
- Pure Encapsulations Pregnenolone
- Truevantage Nutrition DHEA with Pregnenolone
Neurogan Health Pregnenolone Tablets
Our Pregnenolone Tablets are a premium supplement designed to support healthy hormonal balance. Each fast-dissolving tablet contains 100 mg of pregnenolone for women and men, ensuring your body receives a powerful boost in one clean, straightforward serving.
We understand the importance of supplements that provide value without compromising on quality, which is why our pregnenolone supplements are affordable at $16 for a 100-day supply. We can do this because we're in charge of our production at our cGMP San Diego facility and manage the warehouse and fulfillment for our customers.
With Neurogan Health, taking charge of your health with better lifestyle choices is more accessible and straightforward, backed by the integrity of our products and practices.
Specs:
- Price: $16
- Count: 100 tablets
- Serving Size: 1 tablet daily
- Mg of Pregnenolone Per Serving: 100 mg
- Total Pregnenolone: 10,000 mg
Life Extension Pregnenolone
Life Extension's Pregnenolone capsules are popular, serving 100 mg of pregnenolone sulfate in every capsule.
Priced at $16.50, Life Extension's Pregnenolone supplement has a total pregnenolone content of 10,000 mg per container. This positions the product as a competitive option in the market for those looking to take advantage of the potential benefits of pregnenolone supplementation.
While Life Extension is recognized for its range of health and wellness products, consumers are encouraged to consider various brands and products to find the best fit for their individual health needs. Some people find the larger capsules difficult to swallow, so smaller tablets might be a more suitable option.
Specs:
- Price: $16.50
- Count: 100 capsules
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Mg of Pregnenolone Per Serving: 100 mg
- Total Pregnenolone: 10,000 mg
Pure Encapsulations Pregnenolone
The Pure Encapsulations Pregnenolone product notably has a lower dose of 30 mg per capsule, which is better suited for individuals looking for a lower dosage option based on their specific health goals or recommendations from a healthcare professional.
At $18.80 for less pregnenolone, this might be a more expensive option. However, given its distinctive lower dosage per serving and Pure Encapsulations' reputable standing in the supplement industry, known for its focus on high-quality, pure ingredients, this pregnenolone supplement could be the right choice for those seeking a tailored approach to their supplementation regimen.
Specs:
- Price: $18.80
- Count: 60 capsules
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Mg of Pregnenolone Per Serving: 30 mg
- Total Pregnenolone: 1,800 mg
Truevantage Nutrition DHEA with Pregnenolone
Truevantage Nutrition combined DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) with pregnenolone, designed to support women's health through hormonal balance. DHEA is one of the adrenal hormones that acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including estrogen.
The supplement comes in 60 capsules, priced at $23.99. Each capsule is formulated with 100 mg of DHEA and 60 mg of pregnenolone. This combination not only supports hormonal balance but also offers the potential benefits of pregnenolone.
Specs:
- Price: $23.99
- Count: 60 capsules
- Serving Size: 1 capsule
- Mg of Pregnenolone Per Serving: 60 mg + 100 mg DHEA
- Total Pregnenolone: 3,600 mg
How Much Pregnenolone Supplements Should Women Take?
The average dose of pregnenolone used in studies and found in supplements varies, but the typical starting dose is 30 mg. Still, it can be safely taken at 700 mg with the guidance of a professional [5].
Determining the right dose of pregnenolone for women depends on the individual's health status, age, and specific health goals, which should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Are There Any Side Effects of Pregnenolone for Women?
Potential side effects of pregnenolone supplementation include itching, rash, appetite changes, and headaches. Monitoring hormone levels through regular check-ups can also help ensure the supplementation does not lead to undesired effects.
The Takeaway: The Best Pregnenolone Supplements for Women
Pregnenolone offers several potential benefits for women because it supports hormonal balance, which subsequently can help with many different health aspects, such as mood, cognitive performance, healthy weight management, and libido.
When choosing a pregnenolone supplement, look for products from trusted brands like Neurogan Health, which is known for its quality control without compromising on affordability.
Remember that articles like this one should only be used as a starting point for learning and should be followed up with advice from your healthcare professional, especially if you're looking to incorporate pregnenolone as part of your long-term health plan or if you have a health condition.
Resources:
- Akamatsu, T., Chiba, H., Kamiyama, H., Hirose, K., Saito, H., & Yanaihara, T. (1992). Menopause related changes of adrenocortical steroid production. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 18(3), 271-276.
- Ducharme, N., Banks, W. A., Morley, J. E., Robinson, S. M., Niehoff, M. L., & Mattern, C. (2010). Brain distribution and behavioral effects of progesterone and pregnenolone after intranasal or intravenous administration. European journal of pharmacology, 641(2-3), 128-134.
- ABRAHAM, G. E., & MAROULIS, G. B. (1975). Effect of exogenous estrogen on serum pregnenolone, cortisol, and androgens in postmenopausal women. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 45(3), 271-274.
- AlAwlaqi, A., Amor, H., & Hammadeh, M. E. (2017). Role of hormones in hypoactive sexual desire disorder and current treatment. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association, 18(4), 210.
- HENDERSON, E., WEINBERG, M., & WRIGHT, W. A. (1950). Pregnenolone. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, 10(4), 455-474.
