There are both good and bad pregnenolone side effects. Side effects include increased libido, greater clarity, increased brain function, and better memory. Others include heart palpitations, irritability, night sweats, anger, and insomnia. These can range from mild to severe depending on dosage.
Very few studies have been conducted on the use of pregnenolone, so its side effects have not been well documented in many cases. One reason for this is that pregnenolone is a naturally occurring hormone and steroid. This means that it cannot be patented as a drug or altered hormone can, and therefore does not offer the same monetary benefits to drug companies. Pregnenolone is available in supplement form, however, and has been noted to cause both good and bad effects.
Positive pregnenolone side effects can include increased sex drive for both men and women. This is primarily important for middle-aged individuals during menopause or in the later years when men are most likely to struggle with sexual dysfunction. It is thought that increased sex drive is caused by an increase in testosterone which is initiated by the pregnenolone. This may also the be cause of other positive effects such as increased memory and brain function.
Unfortunately, there are also several pregnenolone side effects that can be dangerous or even life-threatening in some individuals. These can include insomnia, anger and irritability, acne, headaches, hair loss, heart irregularities and palpitations, and possible effects on the thyroid gland and other organs. Also, pregnenolone can be converted by the body into testosterone and progesterone, both of which could have effects on the reproductive system if taken for extended periods of time.
Some of these negative pregnenolone side effects occur only with extended or excessive use, such as hair loss and headaches. Others, like heart irregularities, can occur on even a very low dose. For this reason, those with heart conditions and the elderly should not take pregnenolone unless directed by a doctor. Safer methods for hormonal imbalances, decreased libido, and impaired memory are available and can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased in health food stores. Those with thyroid disorders or a history of thyroid disorders in the family should discuss the use of pregnenolone with their doctors.
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anon161333
Post 13 |
would buying pregnenolone over the counter be the same as having the compound pharmacy make it for you? My doctor is doing blood work to see what I am lacking, as far as hormone levels and then he will discuss this pill with me. But my friend who has just gone through all of this said that the same pill is costing her 80 bucks a month. Is this something that someone else has came across? Please answer back. |
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anon156028
Post 12 |
I have no comments on pregnenolone, only a question. I have read many adverse effects of this "hormone" supplement, being it causes hair loss and facial hair growth to begin with. I am on 5 mg 2x weekly. I am wondering if this will cause hair loss, as I have only been taking it for two weeks now and don't notice any reactions, but bald is not good for me as I don't have much hair anyway. Someone's comments are very welcome! |
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anon154914
Post 11 |
@Googlefanz: There are a few reasons, not the least of which is that a lot of folks these days who have thyroid and adrenal 'issues'. Some of which just come with living in this crazy life, others that are the result of living in this crazy life. Anyway, pregnenolone is effectively an adrenal precursor, and folks who are suffering from hypothyroidism (a lot of us, many undiagnosed) might take a thyroid supplement, but are unable to process it well, due to depressed/suppressed adrenal function (panic attacks, way too much coffee all the time, dealing with too much traffic for too many years, etc etc) so taking low to mild doses of pregnenolone can provide a proper path for the thyroid to be processed, restoring the balance. |
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anon150471
Post 10 |
I am currently taking pregnenolone and i love the effects. I sleep better and wake up much more refreshed, both physically and mentally. I have experienced no side effects. I'm a 40 year old woman and I take 100mg a day. |
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anon146679
Post 9 |
I took pregnenolone for a while, and experienced most positive, and negative side effects. Initially I took so little, that I felt nothing. I began to increase dosage until I reached excess and backed off. I was able to find a "balance" point that worked for me eventually. I then went to a doctor, and was diagnosed with low testosterone, for which I was prescribed androgel. Of coursem the pregnenolone had little to do with my low T, but I stopped taking it anyway, and the testosterone replacement was far better. I'd strongly suggest men get tested, and as androgel can be quite expensive, ask your doctor to call in your prescription to a compounding pharmacist. A compounding pharmacist can make an identical gel to androgel, for about 1/10 of the cost of androgel. I experience awesome energy, libido, and the positive mental benefits of proper testosterone replacement (I had been slightly depressed for a few years, but T replacement seemed to clear that up), which for me, has been a God send. |
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anon145056
Post 8 |
10 mg helps me to sleep very well. |
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anon137162
Post 7 |
From a supplement user for 40 years, the solution seems pretty simple. If you get any mild negative side effects (like the more severe ones you get from, so readily, taking prescription drugs) don't take it the next day. |
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anon136227
Post 6 |
Taking pregnenolone isn't usually a choice. It is a result of some other imbalance in the body. It is not a steroid that "Hulks" you. It balances the hormones and makes the imbalance balanced. Unfortunately, there are side effects that come along with it. They are worth the risks to make the day to day normal. |
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pharmchick78
Post 5 |
Great article -- I'm glad to find such a balanced article about the side effects of pregnenolone. It seems that whenever people start talking about supplements and side effects, whether that's the right fish oil dosage or the common garlic side effects, it always turns into this very biased thing with the article either being clearly for or against the product.
However, you not only managed to avoid being biased in your article, you also presented a very good overview of the pros and cons of taking pregnenolone supplements.
Very well done. |
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StreamFinder
Post 4 |
Reading about all these different side effects of pregnenolone really makes me wonder how "in the mood" I'd be feeling with insomnia, headaches, and crazy anger swings.
That always seems to be the case with fertility drugs, right? Watching the commercials for the myriad libido enhancers you see on TV, they all sound great until you get to that part at the end where the guy starts talking really fast about all the side effects.
And if all those side effects really occur when you take the drug, then seriously, how much can it actually help your libido. I guess it would be OK if you're into angry sex, but other than that I can't really see how it would be all that great.
But then, I've never been in that situation. Has anybody who's actually taken this got any input? Is it worth it to go through the side effects to get the end result? |
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googlefanz
Post 3 |
So this may be a silly question, but why would someone take pregnenolone to begin with if it can have all those wonky side effects? I mean, I can understand someone wanting to take pregnenolone supplements for steroid effects, I guess, but it kind of seems like more trouble than it's worth, to be perfectly honest.
I mean, there are other ways to boost your libido and even your brain function without having to risk going into "Extreme Hulk" mode, and especially without having problems with your thyroid.
That can really mess you up, I mean, messing with your weight and your sleep schedules and everything.
So what is so great about pregnenolone that people would risk all that to take it? I mean, sure, every supplement has side effects, but those seem a little extreme. |
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anon116497
Post 1 |
I was taking dhea and my libido was fantastic. I had to stop because my prostate was bothering me. pregnenolone is the mother of dhea, but it should be tried. |
