Rankings / Hormones & Endocrine
Pregnenolone
Hormones & Endocrine · Neurosteroid / upstream precursor
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Pregnenolone as C+ (5.5/10) based on weak evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Individual conversion to downstream hormones varies widely — some people preferentially shunt to cortisol vs DHEA vs progesterone.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 10-50 mg/day PO — OTC (US); Rx elsewhere; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Individual conversion to downstream hormones varies widely — some people preferentially shunt to cortisol vs DHEA vs progesterone. Marx 2009 trials in schizophrenia showed cognitive benefit. 'Master hormone' biohacker narrative oversells; data is modest.
Mechanism
Precursor to all steroid hormones; synthesized from cholesterol via CYP11A1; direct neurosteroid activity via GABA-A/NMDA modulation; memory and mood effects possibly independent of downstream hormone conversion
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
10-50 mg/day PO
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Pregnenolone's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Pregnenolone as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.5/10). Individual conversion to downstream hormones varies widely — some people preferentially shunt to cortisol vs DHEA vs progesterone.
- What safety findings are reported for Pregnenolone?
- Pregnenolone has a low risk profile in the database. Low (generally well-tolerated; theoretical concern about pushing adrenal/gonadal steroid synthesis unpredictably) Legal status: OTC (US); Rx elsewhere.
- What doses or routes are reported for Pregnenolone?
- 10-50 mg/day PO This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Pregnenolone work?
- Precursor to all steroid hormones; synthesized from cholesterol via CYP11A1; direct neurosteroid activity via GABA-A/NMDA modulation; memory and mood effects possibly independent of downstream hormone conversion
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.