Pregnenolone

Hormone Support

Also known as: Mother hormone, PREG, Steroid precursor

Grade C

💊 5-50mg daily🎯 7 primary uses🔗 1 synergy⚠️ Review warnings

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Levels upStress & Mood+50 pts

Overview

Precursor hormone supporting overall steroid hormone production including cortisol.

Primary Uses

Hormone supportCognitive functionMoodMemoryHPA axis supportHormone balanceCognition

Frequently Asked About Pregnenolone

How much Pregnenolone should I take?

The typical effective range is 5-50mg daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

When is the best time to take Pregnenolone?

Morning. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.

Should I take Pregnenolone with food?

With fat.

Does Pregnenolone interact with medications?

Yes — known interactions include Hormone therapies. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Pregnenolone.

What does Pregnenolone pair well with?

Pregnenolone stacks well with None specifically — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.

Who should not take Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone should be avoided or used with caution by people with Hormone-sensitive cancers. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

What are the side effects of Pregnenolone?

Most people tolerate Pregnenolone well. The most commonly reported side effects are Irritability, Acne, and Hair changes. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range

5-50mg daily

Timing

Morning

With food

With fat

Duration

Cycle recommended

Special Populations

Age-related decline

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Pregnenoloneyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Pregnenolone research

PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trials PubMed (all) ↗Full literature Cochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviews Examine.com ↗Research summaries

Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

• Precursor to all steroid hormones
• Neurosteroid with brain effects
• Modulates GABA and NMDA

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade C

Limited clinical evidence

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings

• Unpredictable hormone conversion

Contraindications

• Hormone-sensitive cancers

Common Side Effects

• Irritability
• Acne
• Hair changes

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid

Liver & Kidney Notes

Hormone metabolism

Interactions

💊 Medications

• Hormone therapies

🧪 Supplements

• DHEA (similar pathway)

🍽️ Food & Alcohol

• Take with fat

Stacking & Synergies

Pairs Well With

None specifically

Avoid Combining With

Other hormones without testing

Best Goal Synergies

Hormone optimization

Buying Guide

What to Look For

• Third-party tested

Standardization Markers

Micronized form

Adulteration risk

Moderate

Practical Notes

• Test hormone levels before/during
• Start very low
• Test hormones before/during
• Low dose approach

More in Hormone Support

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Black cohosh is a traditional herbal remedy primarily used for menopausal symptom relief, with moderate clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for hot flashes and night sweats. Its mechanisms likely involve phytoestrogen activity and serotonergic pathways, though the active constituents remain incompletely characterized.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA is an endogenous adrenal hormone and precursor to testosterone and estrogen, with declining levels in aging. Supplementation aims to restore youthful hormone levels and support energy, mood, and sexual function.

Dong Quai

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal root used to support women's health and hormonal balance, particularly during menopause and menstrual cycles. Scientific evidence for efficacy is mixed, with limited high-quality clinical trials.

Fadogia Agrestis

Nigerian shrub gaining popularity for testosterone. Limited human research, animal studies promising.

Fadogia Agrestis

African herb gaining popularity for testosterone support, though human evidence is limited.

Fenugreek

Seed extract that may support testosterone and libido. Also supports blood sugar.

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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.

Cite this page

Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Pregnenolone — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/pregnenolone

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.