Many of our body’s systems and processes may seem like one simple step to us as we breathe, eat, digest, sleep, and wake up. But these simple functions are the result of a chain of interrelated events that must all work together in perfect harmony. Many of these processes are controlled by hormones. These are powerful chemicals that are naturally produced in the body. Hormones signal each system to work together to perform a variety of metabolic tasks.
However, hormones aren’t as simple as a single chemical being produced or secreted. Pregnenolone is one example. It is known as a precursor hormone. This means that Pregnenolone isn’t the main signal itself being sent by your body. Rather, it is produced to begin the chain reaction. This leads to other hormones being produced and, eventually, to a specific task being performed. It can be thought of as a “steppingstone” to many of the body’s most critical functions.
Pregnenolone is produced in the gonadal glands (ovaries in women and testes in men), brain, and adrenal system. It is the crucial first step in producing many of your body’s other hormones such as Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone, DHEA, and Cortisol. Essentially, if something is affecting the ability of your body to produce Pregnenolone, it is likely that these other hormones are being affected as well.
Why is Pregnenolone Important?
The ability of Pregnenolone to begin the precursor process of signaling other hormones can affect a variety of physiological responses. These may include stress, anxiety, memory, concentration, movement, and even reproductive health. Your body is an amazingly complex machine comprised of millions of tiny pieces that must all work together in harmony. Any one major component out of balance may cause drastic changes across multiple metabolic processes.
Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone for:
- Progesterone
- DHEA
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogens
- Androgens (male hormones such as Testosterone)
Signs & Symptoms of Pregnenolone Deficiency
As a precursor hormone to your sex hormones and others, a Pregnenolone deficiency can cause symptoms that affect a variety of body processes. In young boys and girls, a deficiency of Pregnenolone may cause delayed puberty or even a lack of sexual development.
In adults, Pregnenolone begins to naturally decline between the ages of 20-30, as most of our sex hormones begin to decline around that age. Signs and symptoms for adults that have abnormally low Pregnenolone levels may include:
- Poor memory
- Loss of attention span
- Inability to concentrate
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Dry skin
- Difficulty thermoregulating (hot flashes or night sweats)
- Joint and muscle pain
- Lowered libido
- Unregulated menstrual cycles or abnormally heavy menstruation
- Increased weight gain (in women)
- Loss of strength and hair growth (in men)
- Prostate complications
- Impact on the immune and cardiovascular systems (in men)
Signs & Symptoms of Too Much Pregnenolone
Our hormones need to be kept within specific parameters to maintain an appropriate balance. But there are also issues that may be caused by too much Pregnenolone in our bodies. Some of those complications may include:
- Increased aggression
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Growth of body and facial hair in women
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Abnormally high levels of Pregnenolone in the body may also be a sign of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). This is a congenital (genetically inherited) defect that causes a deficiency in the production of the enzyme required to convert Pregnenolone into steroid hormones in the body.
The deficiency of these hormones may lead to a deficiency of Cortisol (stress hormone) or overproduction of androgens (male sex hormones such as Testosterone). Doctors may test for CAH in infants who do not have clearly defined external sex organs, or in teens who have delayed or absent physical characteristics typically associated with puberty.
Benefits of Pregnenolone Supplementation
Although the current research is inconclusive, there have been claims that Pregnenolone supplementation may be beneficial to assist the body in multiple ways. From increasing memory and alertness to making the body’s response to stress more efficient and effective, studies are currently being conducted to test the validity of these claims. Other potential benefits of appropriate Pregnenolone supplementation may include use to address:
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Menopause
Is There Treatment for Pregnenolone Deficiency?
Yes, there are safe and effective treatments available for those with a demonstrated Pregnenolone deficiency. MixMyRx has made the process extremely simple and affordable for many types of Hormone Replacement Therapy, including Pregnenolone treatments.
MixMyRx provides options for different dosages and mediums needed to treat a Pregnenolone deficiency, such as Pregnenolone capsules, and Pregnenolone creams.
Membership Benefits with MixMyRx
Aging and dealing with hormone imbalances can be difficult enough to manage. So, at MixMyRx we make the treatment aspect of Hormone Replacement Therapy as simple as possible. Some of the many benefits of becoming a member of MixMyRx are:
- Up to 80% discount on some medications
- Standardized pricing of either $19 or $29 (depending upon the medications)
- Easy access to counseling for your prescription
- Access to a wide variety of pet medications and veterinary prescriptions
- Access to most common generic medications
- Access to a team of experienced clinical physicians, with may specializing in Hormone Replacement Therapy
- A fast, nationwide mailing service that delivers your prescriptions directly to you
Don’t allow a pregnenolone deficiency to slow you down or negatively affect your life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of low Pregnenolone levels listed in the article above, become a member of Mix My Rx to gain access to all these benefits and begin on the path to reclaiming your life.