Meta Information

ID:pregnenolone

Name:Pregnenolone

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• P5
• 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one

Active Compound

pregnenolone

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement

Indication

Focus:

• symptom_management
• healthspan

Description:

Used as a precursor hormone to support downstream steroid hormone levels (e.g., DHEA, cortisol, progesterone) and for its potential neurosteroid effects on mood and cognition.

Typical Protocol

• Typical over-the-counter doses range from 5 mg to 50 mg taken orally once daily.
• Use should be guided by baseline and follow-up blood tests for downstream hormones.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

20

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available over-the-counter supplement; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Pregnenolone is a foundational precursor hormone from which all other steroid hormones, including DHEA, testosterone, estrogens, and cortisol, are synthesized. Supplementation is theorized to restore more youthful hormonal profiles, potentially benefiting mood, memory, and vitality. However, its metabolic pathway is highly individual and unpredictable, and direct evidence for extending healthspan in healthy individuals is currently lacking.

Purpose

A precursor hormone to support downstream steroid production and cognition.

Card Summary

A precursor hormone used to support downstream steroid levels and cognitive function.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Unpredictable conversion to other hormones with no direct evidence for healthspan extension.

Evidence

Grade:

C

Score:

3

Justification:

Limited human trials for specific conditions; lacks robust healthspan-focused evidence.

Safety

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Can unpredictably alter downstream sex and stress hormone levels, posing risks.

Flags

• May unpredictably alter levels of DHEA, testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.
• Should be avoided by individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., prostate, breast).
• Potential side effects include acne, hair loss, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
• Requires regular blood testing to monitor downstream hormone levels.
• Long-term safety profile for healthspan purposes is not well established.

Verdict

A speculative prohormone requiring medical supervision and testing for targeted use.

Created

2026-05-06T22:00:10.902725Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)