Pregnenolone side effects and health benefits - How safe is this hormone? Danger, caution, risks, and use as hormone replacement therapy
Pregnenolone is a natural hormone that cannot be patented. Back in the 1940's, when researchers started experimenting with the use of pregnenolone, they realized that it could be helpful for people under stress and it could increase energy in those who were fatigued. However, about the same time, cortisol, another closely related hormone, was discovered. Cortisol stole the limelight. When cortisol was given to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, there were outstanding short-term improvements. Photographs of these remarkable recoveries were circulated and the medical community was impressed. Scientists basically put pregnenolone aside to focus on cortisol. The structure of cortisol was altered to make similar molecules such as dexamethasone and prednisone, much more powerful steroids. Dexamethasone and other similar corticosteroids could be patented, and thus a pharmaceutical company could make a lot of money by owning patents.
Pregnenolone has stayed in relative obscurity since the 1940's, with only rare mentions in the medical literature. A review of Medline, the computer system that records all articles published in scientific journals, shows only a few studies published on pregnenolone in recent years, and only a couple involve human subjects.
Benefits
Some people find pregnenolone improves energy levels, vision, memory, clarity of
thinking, wellbeing, and often sexual
enjoyment. Some women report lessening of hot flashes or premenstrual symptoms.
Studies in rodents show pregnenolone to be one of the most effective and powerful memory
boosters. Pregnenolone may increase levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus and other
memory regions in the brain. However, pregnenolone is not risk-free.
Side effects of
high dose Pregnenolone:
Overstimulation and insomnia
Irritability, anger or anxiety
could occur after several days
Acne
Headaches
Possible scalp hair loss if used daily for prolonged periods
Irregularities of heart rhythm, palpitations on high doses
Unknown effects on the thyroid gland or other organs
I ordered 2 different kinds of pregnenolone products: in 10 mg dissolveable sublingual tabs - and 50 mg tablets that are swallowed. I've only taken the 50 mg maybe 4 times total over a period of about 4 weeks. The 10 mg sublingual I've taken about 8-10 times total over the same period. My concern is that I've noticed over the past week or so that I've been experiencing MARKED heart palpitations / arrhythmias, particularly when lying down at night. It concerned me and I had no idea why... until I realized the only thing I've been doing differently (lately) is taking the pregnenolone. I then researched online for a possible connection and voila! - there was your article. So I'm simply giving (anecdotal?) personal evidence that I think supports that connection.
Pregnenolone Caution,
danger, risks
We're still in the early stages of learning about pregnenolone and its full
effects on the human body.
It is best to proceed with caution until more information is available. This means using
the lowest effective dose and seeking supervision by a knowledgeable health care provider.
There are some medical or psychiatric conditions where pregnenolone can be used
temporarily and then stopped. With this conservative approach, it is unlikely that any
problems would arise. Our major uncertainty at this time involves the long-term use of
pregnenolone as hormone replacement therapy, especially if high doses are used.
Pregnenolone can also cause heart palpitations in high doses.
With time, as more and more people use this hormone, we'll have a
fuller understanding of its benefits and side effects. Those who have already found pregnenolone to be helpful in terms of mood elevation, stress reduction, arthritis help,
visual and auditory enhancement, and so forth, but are concerned about unknown long-term
effects, may feel more comfortable using pregnenolone only as needed and frequently taking
time off from it. Taking these "hormone holidays" will mitigate any potential
unknown risks.
Daily use of pregnenolone over prolonged
periods should be no more than 1 to 3 mg unless you are closely followed by a health care
practitioner familiar with the clinical uses of this hormone. Current dosage available
over the counter, such as 25, 50, or 100 mg are TOO high. If you purchase a 10 mg pill or
capsule, take a portion of it if you plan to take it on a regular basis.
Q. I am consulting a practitioner who
recommends pregnenolone treatment. Having read your information about potential
dangers of using more than very small amounts, and the cardiac risks, I
mentioned your work to him. In his response, he was suggesting that his mentor
has treated 7,000 plus patients without any heart problems occurring. He was
also suggesting that maybe the people who have problems didn't actually need
pregnenolone in the first place, not having health problems, and hadn't been
tested or retested. I am trying to make my mind up independently, but it is
difficult when there is a dearth of reliable research.
A. There are various opinions on the benefits and risks of dietary
supplements and hormones. Ultimately it is up to the consumer, having read and
learned as much as they can, to decide which expert's opinion to rely on.
What is a Steroid?
A steroid is chemical substance with four carbon ring structures attached to
each other in a very specific way. Cortisol,
DHEA, testosterone, pregnenolone,
progesterone, and estrogen are all steroid hormones that chemically look very similar to
each other in terms of their backbone. However, they differ from each other in only small
ways, and even tiny changes in the chemical make up of a substance can make enormous
differences in how it functions and what role it plays in the chemical factories of our
bodies. For instance, testosterone, the male hormone, is only slightly different
chemically from estrogen, the female hormone. Yet that slight difference causes men to
grow facial hair and women to develop breasts.
Is Pregnenolone different that Progesterone?
Pregnenolone is converted in the body to progesterone and these two hormones
have some overlapping similarities, but we still don't know exactly how their effects
overlap. Pregnenolone is also converted into
DHEA, which, in turn may convert into
androstenedione, testosterone, and estrogens.
How is Pregnenolone made?
There is a type of plant called a wild yam that is grown in certain parts of the
southern U.S. and in Mexico. This wild yam contains a compound called diosgenin that is
the precursor to steroid hormones. In a laboratory, diosgenin is converted into
pregnenolone. Further laboratory processing can convert pregnenolone into DHEA. The human
body does not have the ability (the required enzymes) to convert diosgenin (a six ring
structure) into pregnenolone (a four ring structure). Therefore, if you swallow pills that
are extracts of wild yams (diosgenin), you will not get pregnenolone or DHEA. The
conversion of diosgenin to pregnenolone has to be done in a laboratory. If you want
pregnenolone or DHEA, the bottles you buy must say that they contain actual pregnenolone
or DHEA, not extracts of wild yams or diosgenin.
What form of pregnenolone is best?
Oral
pregnenolone pills work well. Sublingual or micronized are also good options.
Can I take pregnenolone if I'm already on DHEA, estrogens, or
other hormones?
Since both DHEA and pregnenolone have some similar effects (however, they have
differences, too), you should lower your dose of DHEA when you go on pregnenolone. The
lowering of the dose should by the same amount as the pregnenolone dose. Before you add
pregnenolone, though, make sure you try it separately to see what kind of effects it has
on you, Once you know how you react to DHEA and pregnenolone separately, you can then
combine them. The amount of conversion of pregnenolone to estrogens is not fully
known.
Is it true that some people notice improvement in
vision while taking pregnenolone?
A. A good number of individuals
who have taken
pregnenolone have
reported enhancement of visual perception. Colors are brighter and clearer. Patterns are
more noticeable. Looking becomes more enjoyable. However, not everyone seems to be attuned
to this perceptual enhancement.
Pregnenolone research
update
Chronic
pregnenolone effects in normal
humans: attenuation of benzodiazepine-induced sedation.
Meieran SE, Reus VI, Webster R, Shafton R, Wolkowitz OM.
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA,
USA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2004 May;29(4):486-500.
Pregnenolone is the major steroid precursor in humans. It is also a "neurosteroid"
and possesses intrinsic behavioral and brain effects in animals, affecting the
GABA(A) and other receptors. In two preliminary studies, we sought to
characterize its tolerability and psychotropic effects in humans. In Study 1, 17
normal volunteers received pregnenolone and placebo for 4 weeks each (15 mg PO
per day x2 weeks followed by 30 mg PO per day x2 weeks, vs. placebo x4 weeks) in
a within-subject, double-blind, cross-over design, with a 4 week drug-free
washout period separating the two arms. Subjects' behavioral responses were
assessed at the beginning and end of the 4-week pregnenolone arm and the 4-week
placebo arm. Pregnenolone was generally well-tolerated but, by itself, had no
significant effects on mood, memory, self-rated sleep quality or subjective
well-being. In Study 2, 11 subjects from Study 1 received a single dose of
diazepam (0.2 mg/kg PO) immediately following completion of Study 1 in order to
assess, in a between groups design, the impact of 4-weeks' pre-treatment with
pregnenolone (N=5) vs. placebo (N=6) on the acute sedative, amnestic and
anxiolytic effects of this benzodiazepine. Pregnenolone-pretreated subjects
showed significantly less sedation following diazepam (p<0.03); this effect was
clinically apparent. Diazepam's amnestic effects were non-significantly
attenuated, and ratings of anxiety were unaffected. These pilot data, based on
small samples, raise the possibility that chronically administered pregnenolone
antagonizes certain acute effects of benzodiazepines and may enhance arousal via
antagonist or inverse agonist actions at the benzodiazepine/GABA(A) receptor
complex. Further larger-scale studies, utilizing a broader range of doses and
experimental conditions, are warranted.
Pregnenolone Emails
Q.
I am a doctor writing from Germany. Do you hold
the use of Pregnenolone in the treatment of the concentration-weakness of children?
It seems to work namely, but isn't it contraindicated ? Or is it effective as normal
basis-component of the hormone-synthesis without creating negative feedback problems?
A. Pregnenolone is a powerful hormone and we would not
recommend its use in children unless they have adrenal insufficiency.
Q.
My son is 9 yrs old and suffers from a very rare condition called
congenital adrenal hypoplasia. This basically means he has no adrenal cortex at all
and receives replacement therapy of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. The
complexity of the other 40 odd hormones produced in the cortex and their pathways are such
that these other hormones are not added to this replacement regime. If DHEA is the
most abundant of hormones in the body and given the increased understanding of it and its
interaction in the body, is not logical that some sort of replacement therapy would be
offered to people suffering from adrenal insufficiency. It would seem that a hormone
related to moods, coping, blood sugar level management,, stress, testosterone
synthesis.......... would be needed by people who do not produce a drop. Any
thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
A. The medical profession has not focused replacement of
natural hormones for adrenal malfunction. Pregnenolone is the "grandmother adrenal
hormone" from which all other adrenal hormones are made, while DHEA is the son of
pregnenolone. It does seem reasonable to assume that perhaps replacing pregnenolone or
DHEA might offer advantages that cortisones alone may not provide. The research on this is
very limited but replacing or combining one or both of these hormones is
theoretically a reasonable approach while under the care of an endocrinologist.
Q.
I was wondering since Pregnenolone is a "steroid", does it increase strength
or mass?
A. Pregnenolone is a steroid, and converts into progesterone
and DHEA. Although I am not aware of studies that have tested it in terms of increasing
muscle mass, it probably has some effect, although not as direct as androgens.
Q.
Do you think a man with prostate cancer can take pregnenolone? If so would you suggest long term or short term use? Please specify how long
short or long term would be.
A. Although the effects of pregnenolone on the prostate gland
are not as direct as testosterone, I don't recommend any kind of steroid hormone in a
person who has prostate cancer.
Q. I am writing because I have
rheumatoid arthritis and it has been suggested that pregnenolone might be
beneficial. I have managed to control my symptoms for the last 10 years with
nutritional suppliments but now am experiencing more inflamation. I have had
success with low doses of methylprednisolone. I don't want to take steroids over
a long period of time. Could pregnenolone be an answer?
A. Pregnenolone is a powerful hormone with some benefits and risks.
Please see the cautions on pregnenolone before use, and discuss with your
doctor. We can't advise whether you should or should not take pregnenolone for
your rheumatoid arthritis.
Q. I did quite a bit of reading
about Pregnenolone and I understand it to be something to be used with utmost
caution. I
would like to ask for clarification. You cautioned against the use of routine
pregnenolone supplements. One exception seemed to be for persons suffering from
extreme adrenal issues. Do you mean Addison's only? Or would you consider
extreme adrenal exhaustion fatigue to be in that same category? And my second
question... Would you consider James Wilson to be a reliable source for
information on Adrenal Exhaustion Fatigue?
A. We are not familiar with James Wilson. There is a wide range of
adrenal function, from Addison's disease all the way to perfect adrenal function
and everything in between. There can be a certain amount of adrenal
insufficiency that doctors may not categorize as Addison's. Just like any organ,
the adrenal gland can function at various levels.
Q. I read about pregnenolone
information by Dr. Sahelian. I understood that pregnenolone can have undesired
side effects related to increasing DHEA and thus testosterone. I did not see to
see a description of its proper use and possible side effects in people whole
have below range DHEA and low free testosterone (and other reproductive
hormones). I am hypothyroid on Armour and cytomel, with maladapted phase II
adrenal fatigue. I also have DHEA that is a 1 range (3-10 ng/ml). My hormones
are also in a precarious situation : free Testost 7 (5-20 pg/ml); Androsten 97
(75-400pg/ml); borderline low estradiol, estriol. And, strangely, elevated
progesterone 800 (65-500pg/ml Luteal). My integrative medicine physician has
suggested 10 mg 3x a week for a month of pregnenolone. I wondered if this
situation differed from the warning not to take more than 5mg a day. I did have
palpitations today, the first day I took it. But, I was not certain if it was
from the cytomel, which I have just started using in the last few days and have
been adjusting my dosage.
A. Pregnenolone can cause heart rhythm palpitations even on 10 mg,
especially when combined with other medicines. You may wish to ask your doctor
to read the page on pregnenolone to see whether lower dosages may be more
appropriate.
Pregnenolone side effects research studies are ongoing and as soon as more studies are published we will review this information and suggest appropriate and safe dosages of this natural hormone.
Is Prenenolone a safe replacement for Prednisone, when Prednisone has been
contraindicated for a medical
condition?
Pregnenlone is not a substitute for prednisone,
they may have some overlapping effects but they also have quite different influences on
the body. This hormone is much less understood than prednisone.
Q.
You may be interested in additional data backing up your cautions on your web
page. I had been taking 50 mgs of DHEA and pregnenolone each for about 9 months when I
went in for a routine physical exam. The exam turned up hyperthyroidism and atrial flutter
- neither of which had existed in any prior physicals. So, another profound 'thanks;' this
time for your internet article. With the information it contained, I was able to
alert my physician as to the probable cause of both conditions which was most
helpful in reaching an accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, with medication and 2 cardioversions, both conditions have now been eliminated. As you might guess, I've learned a lesson about
charging off on my own.
Can you tell me if DHEA or pregnenolone will develop
"unwanted feminine character in men". And if it is so, can my body undo the
effect if I stop taking them.
They may cause both masculine (ie hair loss on the scalp) and
perhaps feminine (breast tissue) depending on how you metabolize and how much
you take, and most of the time the effects reverse with time.
I have been taking pregnenolone
for 7 years now. I started when I began menopause and had terrible hot flashes.
At that point I would have to take up to 180 mg. at a time to totally get rid of
the hot flashes. It also gave me a great sense of well being and energy. I
continued on that pregnenolone dosage for about 3 months, on a daily basis, and
then
reduced it to 50 mg a day and was still free from hot flashes and all other
menopausal symptoms. I continued to take 50 mg daily of pregnenolone,
occasionally taking a break off a few weeks here and there, or a few days off
and on, but basically have been taking pregnenolone 50 mg on an almost daily
basis for 7 years. I have never had any pregnenolone side effects. No
palpitations. My hair has thinned a bit, but I don't know if that would have
happened anyway from age. What I am wondering, is if I can give pregnenolone to
my 8 yr old female dog who is not fixed and
still goes into heat. It seems that each time she comes out of heat, she has a
few weeks afterwards where her hormones are a bit out of control and she goes
into false pregnancy. The vet wants me to get her spade, but before I do that, I
thought pregnenolone might help her, the same way it helped me. The vet doesn't
know anything about it. Also, I was under the impression that pregnenolone is not retained in the
tissues and that excess unneeded amounts are excreted. My gynecologist told me
pregnenolone is safe in so much as that it is not retained in the liver tissue.
Would this be true for the rest of the body as well?
We think taking this high dosage of pregnenolone for so long is
a gamble and the long term effects a few more years from now are not known,
including the potential risk for cancer. Keep us updated. As to using
pregnenolone in a dog, this is outside of our range of knowledge since we don't
deal with animals. With most hormones in most people, taking the least amount
that works is often the best option.
Excerpt from
Pregnenolone: Nature's Feel Good Hormone, reprinted with permission from the
author, Dr. Ray Sahelian
In March of 1996, I learned that pregnenolone was just starting to be
sold over the counter. I already knew that it was a hormone, and that some mice
studies had found it to be a potent memory enhancer, but I had no idea what
effect it had on humans. I called a number of my colleagues, but none had
personally taken this hormone. No one seemed to know what it did, Having a
strong sense of curiosity, and a bent towards adventure, I purchased a bottle of
10 milligram (mg) pills.
I should mention that before I write about supplements, I first try them myself.
In addition to experimenting with DHEA, I have done so with melatonin and
creatine. Treating patients with these supplements and studying the published
research are important, but there's no substitute for a personal trial. Can one
be a competent romance novelist never having been passionately in love?
I first tried one pill in the morning and felt no effect. I continued taking 10
mg each morning for the next few days. Nothing. A year earlier, when I was
experimenting with DHEA, I had an increase in energy the very first day I had
taken 10 mg. Thinking to myself that perhaps pregnenolone didn't have a
noticeable influence on the human brain, I was about to give up. Curiosity urged
me to continue. I increased the dosage to 20 mg each morning. I could now barely
tell something was going on, perhaps I was a little more alert, but the effect
was subtle.
A few days later, I increased the dosage to 30 mg and went about my routine,
forgetting that I had taken it. Based on the experience of the previous few
days, I didn't expect to feel anything significant. I was considering putting an
end to my pregnenolone experience in order to go on to another hormone or
nutrient. However, that evening, while taking a stroll with a friend on the
beachfront walk in Venice, California, I could feel something clearly happening.
A mellow, steady, persistent feeling of well being, like a mild euphoria, had
imperceptibly come on. Even though I normally feel good, this was different, and
better. I became more conscious of my surroundings. Flowers growing in the front
gardens of the ocean homes seemed brighter and prettier. I stopped to touch
them, and sniffed a yellow colored rose in full bloom. A mosaic on the door of a
beach house caught my eye. Examining it closer, I noticed that it was a scene of
tall redwood trees with a curving blue stream running through the middle. My
friend graciously accommodated my request that we stare at this mosaic and
observe all of its fine details. It dawned on me that I had walked by this house
many times before without paying much attention to this artwork. As I continued
walking with my friend, my attention focused on the architecture of the homes. I
started noticing the patterns of the stones, the shapes of windows, doorways,
and porticos, and other details. The palm trees lining the walk appeared
Caribbean island like picturesque. Everything seemed more beautiful and
intriguing. I felt a sense of childish wonder, that "everything was okay". How
special and enchanting life could be!
I didn't take any pregnenolone the next day, yet my sense of well being
continued, but on a more subtle level. During a midday break, as I sat on my
office chair lost in my thoughts, staring out through the balcony at the slow,
undulating waves melting into the jetty rocks, I reflected about the previous
evening's delightful experience. A number of thoughts, ideas, and possibilities
raced through my brain. Pregnenolone was so interesting, and so unknown. I
wondered what kind of response this non-prescription, perception enhancing
hormone would receive from the public, the medical establishment, the
government, and the media. Would it be accepted or scorned? I also considered
all the potential uses of this hormone in the fields of psychiatry and medicine,
and how it could be helpful in restoring youthful awareness to older individuals
whose production of this hormone has declined with the decades.
Learning more about pregnenolone became my passion. I started recommending it to
patients and friends who were willing to give it a try. I talked to everyone I
knew who might have used this hormone. Over the next few months, I contacted
many more colleagues. Only a few had used pregnenolone in their practices, and
in most cases their experience was limited. I then did a complete and thorough
review of the scientific literature, looking at long buried studies dating back
to the 1940's.
Since my first days of experimentation, I have tried a number of pregnenolone
products and a variety of forms, including pills, capsules, micronized capsules,
sublingual tablets, and skin creams. There are often subtle, and not so subtle,
distinctions among different forms, and different brands. I've also tried a
variety of dosages. Initially, it took me a few days, and 30 mg, to feel the
effects of pregnenolone, but now I can notice the effects even on as low a
dosage as 5 mg, and sometimes within an hour of dosing. I have taken
pregnenolone at home, in the office, on sunny days, cloudy days, while walking
in the mist, in heavy downpours, on the beach, hiking in the mountains,
listening to music, at parties, eating out, traveling in Italy, meandering
through a shopping mall, and a variety of other settings. Furthermore, I have
interviewed prominent researchers in the field, and I continue to evaluate the
latest published research. I and a colleague, Dr. Karlis Ullis, are doing
clinical evaluations of many patients on this hormone. In addition, I am
cooperating with the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe,
Arizona, on a study evaluating the role of pregnenolone and premenstrual
syndrome. In the following chapters, you will find detailed information never
before published.
I'm 39 years old, and therefore too young to take pregnenolone regularly. But I
am currently taking this hormone about once a week, in the range of 5 mg. I plan
to do so until my late forties or fifties, when I begin using it more or less
frequently. Hopefully, by then, we'll have a much better understanding of this
once forgotten, yet fascinating, hormone.
I am a 4o year old female with a 20 some
odd year history of rheumatoid arthritis. I have been in and out of remission
many times. However, I began to experience the symptoms that are common in
either hyperthyroid or adrenal stain (these included dry skin, hair loss / slow
growth, fatigue, occasional arrhythmia) so I had my homeopath do some
investigating. It turns out thyroid levels are good but DHEA and pregnenolone
levels were low (44 and 6 respectively). My homeopath has suggested a regime
that includes, but not limited to, DHEA 10mg twice daily pregnenolone 5mg twice
daily and pantothenic acid 500mg. So in doing some checking, I came across your
website which makes me a bit concerned that I am not as informed as I should be
about the therapies suggested. I should note that I do not take drugs (natural
or synthetic) unless all dietary interventions have failed. That said, I proceed
with caution this situation. Should I be concerned about the possibility of
arrhythmia as a side effect given my history? Should this therapy increase my
pregnenolone levels without effecting my body's natural ability to produce this
hormone in the long run like prednisone (ie. should I assume that this will
become necessary long term therapy or will this stimulate my body's own
production)? Should I expect that this therapy might exacerbate the lack of hair
growth?
We cannot predict what would occur to your health, benefit or
harm, but we suggest your doctor review the pages on these hormones if not
already acquainted.
I am writing for advice about
pregenenolone. Please help. I will make this inquiry as short as possible. I am
a 53-year-old female biomedical researcher (molecular biologist) suffering from
a 17-year lower esophageal pain disorder robbing me of my ability to eat. After
umpteen specialists in several medical fields … it was by happenstance that
taking Synthroid for hypothyroidism improved the pain. A doctor then approved
that I take both testosterone and DHEA. These too helped not only with energy
levels but also with pain! I discovered pregnenolone in my local healthfood
store. Before reading your website, I took 50-150 mg/day for ~ 5 days. I felt
great! I had not felt that joyfully and energetically alive since being in my
late teens early 20’s. The drawback was pregnenolone and wine caused massive
insomnia and low grade headaches at night. I have one brand of wine with dinner
3 nights per week. It causes less esophageal pain that non-alcoholic (Fre’)
wine. It is literally the only thing with any substantial flavor that I can
ingest. Otherwise my diet consists of plain roasted nuts, flax seed oil,
safflower oil, non-fat organic milk, rice milk, plain corn tortilla chips,
avocados, and water. Now reading your website and a few others that admonish NOT
to take more than 1-5 mg of pregnenolone per day and not every day (but take
breaks) that makes complete and utter sense to me! My question: If I reduce the
dose to 1 mg or at most 5 mg per day (perhaps three days per week—M,W, F) should
I still experience insomnia at night or headaches? Or … is the only way to know
this simply to try it. I really do believe at the really high doses it had
helped with my lower esophageal pain. I would take only nonalcoholic wine, but I
love the rich complexity of flavor of my Fetzer Gerweisterminer.
It is not possible to predict with certainty, but it is
unlikely that low dosages below 3 mg would cause insomnia if the pills are taken
in the morning.
I am working with prescribed 25 mg 7 Keto
DHEA once a day plus Pregnelone 50 mg once a day my lab values show normal range
DHEA at 121 and pregnenolone 10. She states that she wants my DHEA to improve to
250 and Pregnenolone between 80-100. I am 45 year old female, experiencing
hormonal PMS and weight gain. Should I take one or the other? It seems
Pregnelone has less side effects.
This is not a decision we can make for you, but we suggest
you and your health care provider read the cautions on these hormone supplement
use.
Is it true that a female's body is
signaled to produce pregnenolone by the action of an egg being released from the
ovary? If so, does this mean that a female body has higher levels of this
hormone on about day 14 of her cycle? I am considering supplementing
pregnenolone ONLY on days 13,14, and 15 for this reason. (3 days every month).
We are not sure since we have not come across any detailed
analysis of the levels of this hormone throughout the monthly cycle.
I'm a 58 yr old female - always enjoyed
good health, strong, on no medications, but for several months I am so fatigued,
run down, tired even after 8-9 hrs. sleep, feel as tho I drag through the day. I
adjusted my diet, exercise regimen, and added some great supplements: multi-b,
b-12 patch, 3,000 mg Vit.C, cal/mag / pot + Vit. D sublingually. I am
STILL drained (except for a couple of days after the B-12 patch). I went to the
doctor's office, she said blood tests came out within normal range. However, I
read an article from a physican that said if the tests look "normal range" and
the person still presents with all negative symptoms and still feels bad, the
tests are more likely to be faulty, not the patient's symptoms, and should be
treated accordingly and not ignored. I was thinking about getting some DHEA /
Pregnenalone sublingual liquid drops put out by Arrowhead Health Works in
California. I am currently on Combi-Patch hormone replacement. I would like to
know: What is the difference between sublingual LIQUID drops and sublingual
pills? Don't they both end up in the stomach to some degree? Which is more
effective, sublingual pill, or sublingual liquid? And what is the rationale for
choosing the sublingual liquid instead of the sublingual pill? What dosages
should one take if taking both at the same time? (the Pregnenalone / DHEA combo
is 9mg per dropperful of Pregnenalone and 15mg of DHEA. The DHEA / Pregnenalone
Combo is 25mg of DHEA and 9mg of Pregnenalone). From my readings, these seem
safe low dosages. (these are offered by Arrowhead Health Works in California).
Since you still have to swallow after holding under the tongue for 1 minute,
doesn't it end up going through the liver anyway? Can ACE be taken along with
these? And how effective do you believe this is in boosting one's adrenal
system? I would appreciate any input you could offer before I purchase.
Sublingual dosage often works quicker and may be more potent than
intestinal absorption and may be less metabolized by the liver. If the tablets
melt well under the tongue then the liquid and the tablet would be similar in
potency. Care must be taken not to overdose on hormones.
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yohimbe bark