Pregnenolone (Pregnenolone (Mother Hormone))
The master precursor hormone from which all steroid hormones are derived. Often called the "mother hormone," it supports cognitive function, mood, and hormonal balance. Popular in telemedicine anti-aging protocols.
How it works
Acts as the primary substrate for steroidogenesis (cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen). Also functions as a neurosteroid, enhancing memory and NMDA receptor activity.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 316.48 Da
- Half-life: ~1-3 hours (oral)
- Bioavailability: ~60% oral
- Storage: Room temperature.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 50-100 mg
- Frequency: Daily (morning)
- Duration: Ongoing with monitoring
- Route: Oral capsule or sublingual
Protocol notes
- Most start at 25-50 mg in the morning and adjust upward toward 100 mg based on response and labs.
- Sublingual dosing is used for faster/cleaner absorption than oral capsules.
- Because it sits upstream of all steroid hormones, effects can be subtle and individual.
Reported benefits
- Hormone precursor balance
- Memory enhancement
- Mood improvement
- Joint support
- Myelin sheath repair
- Stress resilience
Possible side effects
- Headache
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Acne
- Overstimulation
Research
- Pregnenolone and cognitive performance (2021): Improved verbal memory and attention scores in adults with low baseline levels over 8-week trial.
- Neurosteroid replacement in aging (2020): Restoration of youthful pregnenolone levels correlated with improved sleep architecture and reduced anxiety.
Compare Pregnenolone
Community discussions about Pregnenolone
- Trying Pregnenolone morning with KLOW stack – timing and dose feedback? - 4 comments
- Feedback on KLOW stack + low dose pregnenolone timing for recovery and joint support - 6 comments
- Pregnenolone: My 50mg Routine and What the Data Says - 6 comments
- Pregnenolone 50 mg – my experience with mood and memory over a month - 4 comments
- Anyone running pregnenolone + progesterone together? Thinking about stacking - 4 comments
- Ask the community about Pregnenolone
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.