Last modified on September 4th, 2024
Pregnenolone is sometimes called the mother of all hormones. The compound plays a role in synthesizing hormones, including estrogen, testosterone and cortisol. It can also be taken as a supplement, leaving some questioning is pregnenolone over the counter.
We’ll answer this question below and explore what you should know about using it as a supplement.
What Is Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone. It’s made by the body naturally from cholesterol. It is a building block for other hormones, especially those in the adrenal glands and gonads.
The influence of pregnenolone extends to mood regulation, energy levels and memory, among other functions.
Pregnenolone is a hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands, brain, and liver. It’s a precursor to:
- Progesterone
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- Cortisol
Its foundational role in the production of other hormones is why it’s called the mother hormone.
Functions in the body include:
- Serving as a hormone production precursor.
- It’s thought to play a major role in brain function and is associated with cognitive performance, memory and learning.
- It may have anxiolytic or anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects, helping with mood regulation.
- Pregnenolone may reduce fatigue and enhance energy by supporting hormone production that influences metabolism and vitality.
- It’s noted for its benefits for maintaining healthy skin.
- It contributes to testosterone production in men, which is essential for muscle mass, libido and strength.
- In women, it’s a precursor to hormones that play a role in fertility, menstrual cycles and menopausal symptoms.
- Pregnenolone may help with mood stabilization during periods of hormone fluctuations in women.
Signs You Should Consider a Pregnenolone Supplement
Low levels of pregnenolone can result from a range of factors including:
- Natural aging. This is one of the most common reasons for low pregnenolone levels. As we age, our production of this and other hormones drops.
- Prolonged stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, reducing the production of pregnenolone. The adrenal glands synthesize pregnenolone. When they’re overworked because of chronic stress, they can impair hormone production.
- A diet lacking in nutrients like cholesterol, magnesium and vitamin B5 makes it harder for the body to produce pregnenolone.
- Hypothyroidism can slow down the endocrine system, including the production of pregnenolone.
- Diseases related to adrenal sufficiency can lead to low levels.
- Autoimmune conditions, especially if they damage the adrenal glands, can impair their ability to produce pregnenolone.
- Sleep disorders or poor sleep quality impact hormone production.
- Certain medicines like statins to lower cholesterol can limit their availability and the need for pregnenolone synthesis.
- Chronic illnesses, including liver disease, can interfere with hormone production.
- Genetic factors may lead to lower levels of pregnenolone.
Signs that might indicate a need for pregnenolone supplements include:
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalances include severe PMS, low libido, irregular menstrual cycles, and menopausal symptoms.
- Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Cognitive decline includes problems concentrating or memory.
- Symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety or depression.
- Low physical endurance, energy or stamina.
- Dry aging skin or thinning hair.
- Inflammatory conditions or joint pain.
Is Pregnenolone Over the Counter in the United States?
Back to our original question—is pregnenolone available over the counter?
The answer is yes; in the United States and many other countries, it’s sold as a supplement in forms like tablets, capsules and creams.
You can buy pregnenolone over the counter online, at pharmacies and health food stores.
If you’re going to take a pregnenolone supplement, consider the following:
- Look for purity and quality. High-quality supplements will usually go through third-party testing to verify purity and potency. Look for products free from additives and fillers.
- Choose a pregnenolone supplement from a reputable brand.
- Choose the form that will best fit your needs and lifestyle. For example, sublingual tablets can give you faster and more effective absorption, but topical creams are good for localized effects.
A few differences exist when comparing natural pregnenolone production in the body to taking a supplement.
These include:
- When pregnenolone is naturally produced, it is immediately available to be used in your body’s tissues, where it’s synthesized. Called endogenous production, it ensures optimal use and minimal loss. As an over-the-counter supplement, pregnenolone must be absorbed through the digestive system or skin if used as a cream. Bioavailability can vary depending on things like digestion and absorption efficiency.
- The endocrine system regulates the body’s natural production of pregnenolone, ensuring hormones stay balanced. External supplements bypass the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms, which can lead to imbalances if not carefully monitored, especially if you take excessive amounts of a supplement.
- When your body produces pregnenolone, it does so in precise amounts based on current physiological demands. Supplement dosing is less accurate, and achieving the amount your body naturally produces is hard.
- Pregnenolone produced in the body is effectively converted into necessary hormones in a balanced way. However, conversion to other hormones might be less balanced with supplements.
- Naturally produced pregnenolone doesn’t lead to side effects because the body regulates levels. Pregnenolone supplements can potentially cause mild side effects like insomnia and irritability. At high doses, it could contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Is Pregnenolone Over the Counter in Other Countries?
The availability of pregnenolone as an OTC supplement varies by country. It’s more strictly regulated in some places than in the U.S.
Examples include:
- In Canada, pregnenolone is not over the counter. It’s regulated as a prescription medicine because of concerns about the effects on hormone levels.
- In Australia, pregnenolone is Schedule 4. It’s considered prescription-only.
- The United Kingdom doesn’t typically market pregnenolone as an OTC supplement.
- In EU countries, the regulation of pregnenolone depends, but there are some of the strictest rules on the sale and use of hormone precursors and hormones.
The primary reason for restrictive access is the potential impact on hormone balance. It could lead to imbalances, and pregnenolone use may need to be monitored to see how it affects levels.
How Much Pregnenolone Should You Take?
Some of the general guidelines based on the benefits you hope to achieve with a pregnenolone supplement include:
- Consider starting at 10 mg daily to improve cognitive function and memory. You can adjust upward to 50 mg a day, depending on your tolerance and how you respond.
- To help with mood regulation or symptoms of anxiety and depression, doses between 10-30 mg per day are common. Start on the lower end of that and go up gradually.
- The recommended dose usually ranges from 25-50 mg daily to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
- To support healthy aging and skin, 10-30 mg a day may be helpful.
Final Summary—Is Pregnenolone Over the Counter?
Pregnenolone can be a promising way to support hormonal balance, healthy aging and overall well-being. The fact that, yes, pregnenolone is over the counter adds to its appeal.
As with any supplement, informed, guided use is important to maximize the benefits and minimize potential risks and side effects.
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