Pregnenolone is often referred to as the grandparent precursor to steroid hormones in mammals.
Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the mitochondria of adrenal glands. Pregnenolone is also
made to a lesser extent in the brain, liver, skin, testes and ovaries. Once synthesized, pregnenolone is
released from the mitochondria into the cytosol where it can be converted to DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
or to progesterone. DHEA serves as a precursor compound to the androgens and the estrogens through
androstenedione as the intermediate compound. Progesterone is the precursor to cortisol, aldosterone,
androstenedione, estrogen, and testosterone. Pregnenolone may also be secreted directly into the blood
where it circulates primarily as the sulfated form. Pregnenolone has many actions of its own not attributable to
its conversion to progesterone or to DHEA. Recent studies show that pregnenolone is important for the
function of brain, nervous tissue, liver, pancreas, reproductive tissues, pituitary and skin. Pregnenolone is
found in higher concentrations in the central nervous system compared to the peripheral tissues which may
reflect its importance in brain function. As with many hormones, pregnenolone production declines with age.
It is estimated that pregnenolone production is about 60% less at age 75 than at age 35. Pregnenolone
levels may also decline under various conditions of physiological stress, such as acute and chronic infections
and trauma.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 28 May, 2014.