Note: We’ve had overwhelming requests to update and reprint this blog originally from March 2012. So here it is!
The one natural remedy that almost nobody knows about.
If you are experiencing hormone-related weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, or even arthritis and osteoporosis, there is one simple hormonal solution that you should know about.
It’s called pregnenolone, and the testimonials keep pouring in…
- “Pregnenolone—I don’t understand what it is or how it works, but it completely stopped the perimenopause symptoms I’ve been suffering with! I started taking it, and 4 days later I noticed a huge change—no more moodiness or edginess and my libido resurfaced. I am totally amazed. If I forget to take it, I notice the difference!”
–Monique S., Pennsylvania
- “I can see a big difference in my attitude! I’m not cranky anymore, and it helps to regulate my cycle.”
–Annette C., Virginia
- “This really works. I suffered from mild hot flashes and aching knee joints before taking this. Now, I don’t have hot flashes nor do my knees hurt. I will continue to use pregnenolone.” –Michelle, Texas
- “Pregnenolone worked for me after about a couple months. I was happier, didn’t cry as often as I used to, and my mood and attitude was much better.” –Adele L., New Jersey
- “I’ve been following Ann Louise Gittleman’s regimens for a number of years and rave in a most unseemly manner about the efficacy. I started taking UNI KEY’s Pregnenolone and can happily attest that it’s taken my health and vitality to another phase—transformative. Well worth considering, even if The Fat Flush Plan is already working for you.” –Claudia, Online Community Member
Mother of All Hormones
Pregnenolone is the one hormone that the body uses to make all the others—like DHEA, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. However, unlike its more highly publicized “daughter” dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), it can also transform itself into progesterone, for which it has a biochemical bias.
This puts pregnenolone in a league of its own because it can also offset excess estrogen, which like a magnet, can “attract” and stockpile more fat and water in the body along with side effects like depression, a lowered sex drive, upset blood sugar balance, headaches, and a higher risk for cancer by stimulating breast and uterine cell growth.
Here’s the scoop:
Back in the 1940s Dr. Hans Selye, the father of the “fight or flight” theory of stress, studied the benefits of pregnenolone in terms of anxiety and fatigue. In the 1950s, pregnenolone was also researched for its ability to control pain and swelling in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. The most exciting result was that it caused absolutely no metabolic side effects.
The problem with pregnenolone was that the medical establishment could not patent this natural substance. So research was redirected toward some of pregnenolone’s offspring like cortisol and its many synthetic corticosteroid derivatives such as prednisone and other similar medications.
From there, the so called “miracle drugs” were born. And, so were all of the adverse side effects associated with these pregnenolone wannabes: high blood pressure, weight retention, and the “moon face” facial puffiness.
Luckily, most doctors now hesitate to prescribe corticosteroid drugs over the long term because they recognize that the treatment is usually worse than the original disease.
And thus, pregnenolone is being rediscovered. In fact, some researchers are heralding it as a most powerful memory enhancer, most likely due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
While pregnenolone comes in varying strengths, I generally recommend that people start with one 5 mg tablet of pregnenolone daily and slowly work their way up to 10 mg max.
Pregnenolone is a remarkable adaptogen that seems to work for just about everybody!
That is my question also? Is the Pregnenolone better or should they be taken together?
My son has rheumatoid arthritis. Can men take it?
HI Heather: and Evelyn: Ultra H-3 and pregnenolone are a terrific combination. Dr. ALG takes both. Take Ultra H-3 on an empty stomach and the pregnenolone with breakfast.
HI Katie: With regard to your son, it would be very helpful to first do a salivary hormone test and assess all of his adrenal hormones and then proceed from there once you have a baseline. Cortisol and DHEA levels would be helpful to know.
I am perimenopausal and currently taking estrogen patch – 0.5 dose – as well as wellbutrin. Both are intended to help me to sleep and stabilize my mood. I want so badly to come off both but am concerned about becoming somewhat depressed; dealing with sleeplessness; or an interruption in my sex drive. It seems to me that perhaps Ultra H-3 and Pregnenolone may be good alternatives to my current medication regimen – would you agree or not?
Imgrateful: We would always suggest that you monitor your levels with a baseline salivary hormone test (especially estrogen and progesterone in this case) before and aone month after starting the low -dose pregnenolone and Ultra H-3. Everybody is very
different and all hormones – natural or not – should ideally be monitored especially when you are already on hormone replacement . Thanks for your question.
I am estrogen dominant and have the tipical symptoms that go along with it. I’ve tried taking progesterone four different times, with different doses ranging from 10 mg to 150 mg. daily, stopping for a week each month. Each time I do I feel great for a few weeks but have always ended up feeling lousy and having to stop. Would something like this work for me?
Can pregnenolone work for me even if I am taking birth control pills? thank you!
I’ve read it can suppress pituitary function… comment?
Did you ever get an answer about it suppressing pituitary function? I need that. Lol. I’m hyperthyroid.
My daughter is 29 years old and has endometriosis, she is on a birthcontrol pills to stop her mens. What would you recommend for her to take to control this condition? I do not think birthcontol is the answer. Could pregnonolone help her. If so should she get of those birth control pills.
Hi Susan,
Your daughter would certainly benefit from a Salivary Hormone Test. With the results of this test, we can create a plan of action to bring her back to hormonal balance naturally. She may indeed benefit from the Pregnenolone, but I wouldn’t recommend it until seeing her hormone test results.
Ladies: Thank you for your comments. In exceedingly high dosages pregnenolone, like any hormone can impact the system. That is why the dosage is simply 5 mg and not higher. We do not agree with those experts who suggest 25 mg or more per day.
That being said, we suggest to be on the safe side for all of your various conditions, it would be very helpful to test your current levels with the salivary hormone testing offered by unikeyhealth.com. Or – please call LIz at Uni Key for more information.
I was hoping you’d address dosage. I looked around for pregnenolone and only found 50 mg and 100 mg! I was hoping your article was a mistake.
does it matter if you have high cholesterol ( mainly high triglycerides)? I read on another site that this is used if you have low cholesterol. Does your current cholesterol level matter in taking this?
So, would this be instead of the Progesterone Cream or in addition, to?
Nancy and Janine: Since pregnenolone is an adaptogenic hormone, it will transfer into whatever the body needs hormonally but has a preference for progesterone, which is probably due to the biochemical fact that progesterone is deficient in so many women of all ages and stages of life. Pregnenolone can can be used to balance high cholesterol levels but has not appeared to have an impact on high triglycerides which are more diet-driven with carbohydrates, alcohol, and sugary foods.
We suggest that if you are taking additional progesterone, that you simply decrease its use on a daily basis and use it every other day or every third day in accordance with the basic instrucftions on age/stage of life that is printed on the label.
I am very hopeful that this could turn my health around- I will add it to ultra H3. I also have unikeys adrenal formula; should I hold off on starting that again (it can be hard for me to tolerate), so just take Pro.. And H3 or also adrenal formula? And how is the adrenal formula different than these others?
Hi Lisa,
In my opinion, you should give yourself a window of opportunity to benefit from one new product before adding another. Probably 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on how sensitive you are.
The Adrenal Formula is an amazing product that has changed my life, so yes, I do recommend taking it. It is different from the others because it contains the DNA blueprint and building blocks of healthy adrenal cells, so your body can not only use the nutrition to repair damage, but build new and healthy cells.
I have had the saliva testing which resulted in a written recomendation from your office to take 5 mg. of pregnenolone every other day along with many other recommended suppliments .The first two weeks I felt great and then my breasts became so unbearibly sore had I to stop. I called and spoke with one of your assistents three times and they tried to help me, but nothing worked. Last September I did follow up with a new more comprehensive saliva test with my doctor which tested my saliva 4 times throughout the day. I never returned to my doctor to go over the test results as I went over the new results with one of your assistants. We determined that the dhea had dropped some and the cortizol levels were still over the top. Now 4 months later my symptoms are greater as I am closer to my 52nd birthday and closing in on the menapause symptoms.
I remember the great two weeks I had , but am at a loss of what to do next as it seems that adding even natural hormone replacement gives me severe side effects even in small doses. I am also concerned as I have breast cancer in my immediate family. If you can help I would be grateful.
Hi Marion,
I’m sorry to hear of your troubles. Maybe you try taking just one Pregnenolone per week? With your sensitive system, this might be just enough to give you some relief without being overwhelming.
As far as cortisol goes, it can be very helpful to normalize your daily rhythms if possible- waking at 6 am and retiring for the night at 10 pm. Sleep in a dark room and turn off and unplug all electrical appliances.
Earthing can also help tremendously with high cortisol, as well as inflammation, chronic pain, and getting a restful night’s sleep. Here is a link to read more about that > http://www.unikeyhealth.com/earthing
Hi Sierra,
Yes , I am in bed normally by 9:30pm and up between 5:30 and 5:45am. I have purchased the earthing bracelet with the cord that plugs in. I will have to try again. I will also try the weekly pregnenolone . I was unaware that was an option.
Thank you,
Marion
What about if you are a cancer risk (ie. Breast Cancer)…will this aggravate or promote cell growth?
It can promote cell growth if you have breast cancer and the cancer has positive progesterone receptors. 75% of breast cancers have a positive estrogen receptor. Not sure of the progesterone receptors, but most positive estrogen receptor cancers also seem to have positive progesterone receptors. I do breast biopsies for a living and I know for sure that taking progesterone will increase the risk of breast cancer.
if progesterone increases your risk of breast cancer why do prego woman produce tons of it during pregnancy and why do women who have never carried a baby have a higher risk? Progesterone helps balance out estogen,I do not belive it increases your risk of breast cancer
Hi Sherry,
Your question intrigued me, and after doing a bit of research, this is what I have found:
Please refer to this study > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17333341?dopt=Citation
“What Fournier and colleagues found in the first study is that of all the progestogens studied, natural progesterone had the lowest risk, which was actually lower than no treatment at all.” –
The Progesta-Key that Dr. Ann Louise recommends is indeed a natural form of progesterone, derived from the wild yam plant.
I just started taking Preg 5mg. I was wondering how long it takes to build up in the system and also, would you recommend taking it daily or every other day? I also take CLA, GLA, multi vitamin and Fish Oil with D3. Also, shall I stop taking it during the onset of my period? I normally have regular periods, but have had a few irregular months during which I was taking Evening Primrose GLA..have recently switched to Black Currant GLA, hoping no breakthrough bleeding with that.
Thanks for your info.
Hi Lynn, the pregnenolone can be active in your body immediately, but for some people it may take up to three months to experience the full benefits. If you haven’t done any baseline hormone testing, 1 every other day should be sufficient. Do this from the day you’ve finished your period until 2 days before you expect to start your flow again. If you do experience any breakthrough bleeding or any other irregularities, you should have your hormones tested through saliva before you continue with the pregnenolone. From the results of this test, we can make more appropriate recommendations based on your hormone levels. Here is a link to the UNI KEY self testing kit for hormones > http://www.unikeyhealth.com/product/Salivary_test
I have read many recommendations from the “Taking Charge” book and am confused at what to take when and with what. Progesterone Cream or Capsule? Ultra H3, Multi Vitamin with B complex, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, E, Flaxseed Oil, Black Current Seed Oil. Should all of these be taken on a daily basis.
Ann Louise recommends ProgestaKey progesterone creme, use according to the directions on the label. She also formulated a wonderful Female Multiple vitamin that has all the needed amounts of the vitamins and minerals. Ultra H-3 is very rejuvinating.
I’ve been taking it for 12 years and love how I feel on it. That is taken twice a day. It is good for hormone balance to take Flaxseed oil every day, 2 Tbs. in a shake or on food,
Black Current Seed oil is also good and be taken in the form of a small gel cap, It’s called GLA 90 and is also available from http://www.unikeyhealth.com
I started taking a low dose of Pregnenalone after discovering my levels were very low (as were DHEA). But my breasts have become so engorged and painful that I have to stop. What are alternatives to taking Pregnenalone to raise levels?
It’s true that Pregnenalone can go into Progesterone which can cause tenderness. You could try taking the Pregnenalone once a week. For DHEA you could try taking the 7 Keto DHEA.
Hello I am 22 and I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was younger on the pill had that removed then diagnosed with pcos after coming of the pill but I do not have the typical symptoms and I am thin. I recently tried a high dose of progesterone cream from progesteronetherapy.com which completely ruined me and further surpressed my already low estrogen and elevated androgens. just wondering if pregnenolone would do the same. Thank you
Hi Brit, Pregnenolone can convert into a number of different hormones, namely DHEA or Cortisol, but we have found that for a number of women, it skips DHEA and goes directly into Testosterone. Regular salivary hormone testing is recommended for those on any HRT, but especially Pregnenolone. Assessment every 3-4 months is essential for monitoring it’s effect.
Can I take it while on birth control? and what would be the starting dose if my estrogen progesterone are low with high testosterone low mid range cortisol
It can be taken along with birth control, however please do use an alternative method of contraceptive if you do choose to do so. A conservative dose would be one tablet every three days. Please note that many women experience that Pregnenolone converts directly into Testosterone, so as someone with already high Testosterone you may be better suited to using ProgestaKey progesterone creme.
I did use progesterone cream and that further increased my testosterone/lowerd my estrogen which made symptoms such as hiritism worse, and was told maybe its my adrenals so wanted to try the pregnenolone route, would that be 5 mg every three days? and how many hours apart from birth control
Try to do the Pregnenolone opposite of your birth control, so if you are taking bc in the morning, take the Pregnenolone at night, or vice versa. And yes, 5 mg every three days. Please monitor your symptoms carefully and consider salivary hormone testing if you use Pregnenolone for 3 months or more.
why is it every 3 days? opposed to everyday and doesn’t pregnenolone promote hormones while birth control surpresses it I am on the nuvaring which is constantly releases hormones so im not sure on what to do with that
Pregnenolone is a very powerful precursor that often reacts differently for different women, hence the low and conservative dosing of 5mg every 3 days. Birth control does not suppress your hormones, rather it’s aim is to strike a balance that creates conditions inhospitable to fertilization and implantation. So using an additional hormone therapy may certainly upset this balance and make the contraceptive qualities of your birth control less effective. There are many birth control options, so it is important to converse with your doctor about which one is appropriate for you. Some hormone free methods include contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, and copper IUDs.
I have body odour,extreme fatigue, low sex hormones but high androgens after being on progesterone cream would pregnenolone help these? does the dose remain the same or do I increase it
With a history of high androgens, Pregnenolone would not be recommended. Are you getting enough cholesterol in your diet? Often times vegans and vegetarians suffer from similar symptoms to what you describe due to a lack of cholesterol in their diet.
I have been on pregnenolone 1 a day(60c)for nearly month.I was prescribed it after hormone test that indicated was imbalanced,lacking progesterone.I have had headaches,depression and pimples coming up>has lessened a bit but my doctor now advises to stop.It has helped my cycle as have endometriosis and that has eased so thats a huge positive as was affecting for life drastically.But now I am confused,should I continue and the symptoms of pimples,depression will ease?I have a six week supply of pregnenolone.And will I go back to hormonal imabalance and heavy painful periods as soon as I stop.So difficult to know if the pros outweight the cons and vive versa.Help please 🙁
Do you know why your doctor has advised you to stop? It is difficult to make recommendations in your case without doing Salivary Hormone Testing. As pregnenolone is a hormone precursor, without testing we cannot definitively tell into which hormones it is being converted. Given your symptoms, it would be worthwhile to try adopting a grain-free diet and incorporating a lot of healthy fat from grass fed meat, free range poultry and eggs, flax, fish, and coconut oils, avocados, and nuts and seeds.
what would the dose be for adrenal fatigue? would I start higher?
Everyone has different sensitivities to supplements. I would start with one, three times a day at 7am, 11am and 3pm. You can double that after a few days.
One 5 mg 3 times per day?
I thought it was suggested to take one 5 mg every 3 days? now I am getting 2 different stories…
Liz’s reply was in reference to the Uni Key Adrenal Formula, not in regards to Pregnenolone. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
In regards to Adrenal Fatigue, your adrenal health may be tested with the Adrenal Stress Panel available through UNI KEY. Basic adrenal supplementation might include the UNI KEY Adrenal Formula.
I have no uterus and one ovary. I am on 5mg DHEA, which has been helpful. My cortisol levels are fine and I take adrenal support from bovine sources once a day. I have also been on 2-3 mg estradiol, which is the only thing that keeps my weight down and my depression at bay, along with two SSRi’s. I know most people react badly to estrogen but I seem to be the opposite. I have tried progesterone several times and always feel really tired and retain water. I am almost 49. I have recently gained weight without a change in diet or exercise and I am again dealing with some depression. I had forgotten to take the adrenal supplement and since I started again, the depression is lifting but the weight is still there. I started pregnonelone 10mg every other day about a week ago and I am very bloated. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am wondering if i should reduce the estrogen and or the pregnonelone. Thank you!
Regular Salivary Hormone Testing is recommended for anyone experimenting with hormone replacement therapy. A small number of women react similarly to progesterone as you have described, but it is rather more common for one to be more sensitive to estradiol. In your case, testing a baseline would be recommended in order to assess natural levels and decide on HRT that is appropriate to your needs.
ive taken 5 mg pregnenolone and dont feel any better i was on a verry high dose of progesterone cream (400 mg) per day which surpressed my estrogen levels as well as my adrenals, for extremely low estrogen would it be appropriate to increase the dosage of pregnenolone. Thank you
A Salivary Hormone Test would be recommended in order to fully assess the situation and make appropriate suggestions.
can you take pregnenolone with high dose progerone cream (200 mg)
That would not be recommended unless under direct supervision by an endocrinologist and levels were measured very frequently with Salivary Hormone testing.
So pregnenolone & progesterone cannot be used together at all even at a lower dose? can dhea & pregnenolone? as what dose
Perhaps together in lower doses. Natural progesterone creme should provide around 20 mg per dose. 200 mg is a very high dose.
If I wear a 1mg Vivelle estrogen patch and take 200 mg Prometrium each night, will adding 5mg Pregnenolone optimize that? If so, what time of day would be best to take if?
Salivary Hormone testing would be required in order to make accurate recommendations.
Won’t pregnenolone concert to estrogen also?
For some it may, that is why Salivary Hormone Testing is recommended to monitor your progress.
Could you please publish info about this research that you talk about? Who is doing the research and no long term problems with taking this?
Thanks
Hello Denise: Here is one of the myriad of articles with 59 references that I originally used for this blog when it was first published several years sgo.
https://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/nov2007_report_pregnenolone_02.htm
Like any steroid hormone – whether “natural,” bio-identical, or synthetic – pregnenolone levels need to be monitored. It is not appropriate for women with cancers or a history of cancer of the breast or uterus.
how does it work for men? does it help them optimize their testosterone levels?
It certainly may. Salivary Testosterone testing is available via UNI KEY to assess the need and progress of HRT in both men and women.
I have a question about Ultra H-3. I used it daily for about 5 years around 2002 to 2006, but had to stop due to financial challenges. I recently got my husband back on it and he is feeling better every day. But alas, I cannot take it without getting a headache. I started with 1/4 of a tablet once a day, and after a few days got up to twice a day. I took 1/2 a tablet today and just like a week or so ago with 1/2 a tablet, I got a headache. Not a migraine, but bad enough to have to take some Advil. I just listened to your CD again this week with Dr. Robert Koch, and he says no side effects. I am not allergic to anything in the product. And let me tell you, my diet is absolutely perfect and I exercise an hour every day. I have studied the Health and Nutrition field (alternative) myself for over 35 years, and I have read most of ALG’s books. I love her knowledge! I do have a bad systemic Candida problem and cannot even tolerate a half dropper of your Candida drops without getting a headache. I am getting so discouraged. I was treated for candida and parasites by a Holistic D.O. about 18 years ago and got over it all, but eating sweets brought them back. (Although I haven’t eaten hardly ANY sugar (including natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, etc.) in 10 years now.) Even eating fruit brings back my candida sypmtoms, as I am aware it can with some people. I feel like I am going to have to go into a hospital in order to cope with these Die-off symptoms! These headaches are incapacitating if I don’t take Advil or Aspirin and I don’t know how I am going to build up my dosage with either the Candida drops OR the Ultra H-3! Any suggestions?
Thank you so much!!!!!
Hi Sabrina, are you using a quality probiotic along with the Y-C Cleanse? This may help ease the die-off symptoms, in addition to resting and drinking plenty of water. If your chronic Candida problems are possibly related to excess copper, you may benefit from a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis to assess the imbalance and make recommendations to replete any deficiencies. The Candida should be your first priority. When that is resolved, you could consider trying the Ultra H3 again and seeing how you do with it.
I thought I was peri menopause, I knew my hormones were totally crazy. I started taking pregnenolone, primrose and Progestakey. I feel better and hot flashes are gone. The problem I have is I started my menstrual cycle then five days off and I have started again. Is this caused from the product? I am having terrible cramps and moodiness. Please help. I can’t afford testing at this time. I did have a test recently at the doctors office, and found out I have hormonal issues.
For now, it may be beneficial to use only the Progesta-Key. Pregnenolone can convert into a number of different hormones, so without regular hormone testing it is impossible to know how it is affecting you. Evening primrose oil can be estrogenetic for many women, sometimes causing breakthrough bleeding. Typically, the underlying cause of hot flashes is an absolute or relative Progesterone deficiency, so it is likely that you will find major relief from the Progesta-Key alone.
Hi I am 5 years postmenopause and have osteopenia. A new specialist has recommended Progesterone 250mg and Pregnalone 50mg troches (I must divide this morning and night). He says the Pregnalone is based on wild yam. I would really like yr opinion here. My testosterone and DHEA is normal.
Hi so have had 2 weeks on the progesterone plus pregnalone combined troche – I realised in divided into quarters as adviced it is only 50mg Progesterone and 12mg pregnalone twice a day. I cant say I have noticed anything at all except weight gain. So reading all the info- this dose is way too high still it seems – but what I want to know is is this combi useful 5 years post meno for HRT. No estrogens except Ovestin btw. Will retest bloods and saliva soon.
Should I take the prepnenolone and use progesterone cream together? Pregnenolone has helped me tremendously; but, still vaginal dryness and no sex drive.
They can certainly be used together. With extended use of Pregnenolone, Salivary Hormone testing is recommended to ensure proper conversion. You can find information about salivary hormone testing at http://www.unikeyhealth.com/salivary-hormone-test
Hi I was precibed 250 Progesterone with Pregnalone 50 – a quarter a day. Does this sound ok? I am 54vpost meno and low estrogen. The other alternative s Bi-Est I was told. Thanks
I am trying to have a baby, so is it better to take pregnenolone AFTER ovulation since it boosts progesterone? Or is it okay to take in a small dose of 5mg every day?
I suggest that you take a Salivary Hormone Test to find out what all your hormone levels are. Pregnenlone can increase progesterone but it is somewhat of a wild card and can raise all of your hormone levels.
I am a 42 year old woman, premenopausal. My Dr ran hormones on blood work… Estrogen was high, progesterone was low, pregnenolone was also low. Dr suggested 30 mg daily of pregnenolone to help regulate heavy menstrual cycles with clotting. I’m afraid to try this based on adverse side effects I read about. What do you think of using 10mg daily instead or can I skip days too to avoid an adverse reaction. Please help. Thanks!
Annie, pregnenolone is somewhat unpredictable and so starting out slowly is a good idea. You could start with the 10 mg every other day and see how it goes.
hi, had full hysterectomy. no ovaries or uterus. on Premarin. experienced HUGE weight gain, water retention, puffy face. can i cut back on premarin and only take the natural progesterone cream with pregnenolone + DHEA? I use a natural cream that has all 3 in it. I just started the cream about 6 days ago and see dramatic improvements in my mood. no longer cranky, agitated and short.
now i need to lose the weight that the estrogen dominance put on. help!
It sounds like the natural creme is working for you. You should talk to your doctor about the Premarin. I certainly prefer using natural products. You can also do a Salivary Hormone test to see where your levels are and what you need to do to balance them.Consider going on the Fat Flush Plan or doing a 2 week Smoothie Shakedown to jump start your weight loss!!!
I started taking life flo pregnenolone about 2 weeks ago, and I feel awesome. I’m 42 in a couple months, and now just found out I’m pregnant.(!) 🙂
I had 3 miscarriages in the past 3 years after I had my daughter.
I know that I need to continue my progesterone cream, but want to know if staying on the pregnenolone is even an option. Could it hurt the fetus? Any actual people take it pregnant? What is the verdict? Should I stop immediately, or step down?
Congratulations Star! These are questions for your doctor or for the health care provider you are using while you are pregnant.Generally speaking it is not advisable to take supplemental hormones unless you have been tested and are under medical supervision. Best wishes to you!
Hi all. I just had both a complete thyroid panel and the stress adrenal salivary testing. My free T3 was at the low end of the normal range. My cortisol was low(below normal range) all day(a bit higher in AM). Low DHEA. Low progesterone. I believe I am stage 3 adrenal exhaustion. I started taking 7 Keto DHEA 25mg in AM. Licorice root 16mg(extract) in AM and at 2pm. I’m considering adding 5mg Pregnenolone. For the Pregnenolone I was going to take it 5days on 2 days off. Am I to continue taking these supplements forever? I am going to retest in 4 months. I’m 43 y o female. I’ve felt fatigued for a couple years but I am still very active. A runner. Workout 5x a week. Eat whole foods. Etc. what is the long term plan? Do I just take these until I am back in range and then stop?
It sounds like a reasonable plan. You just need to see how you feel on it. It’s good you are testing again in a few months to assess how it is working. Ideally you would take the supplements until you are range and stop but it depends on the stressors in your life.
I am trying to become pregnant via IVF. Weekly monitoring/blood tests have shown I very low estrogen. My acupuncturist suggested DHEA 50mg to improve egg quality and I also decided to try 5mg of pregnenolone daily. I had hoped the combo would help with my estrogen levels, but it hasn’t. Instead I have weight gain, terrible pimples and no ovulation this cycle. My last blood test was on Cycle Day 26. E2 was only 18.5 and progesterone was 4.1. It looks like in my case pregnenolone is being converted into progesterone. I am going to stop taking it but I am still looking for a natural way to increase my estrogen levels. Your advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!
An update: Since I stopped taking pregnenolone, I proceeded nicely toward ovulation. Unfortunately my RE canceled the retrieval because my estrogen was still too low, only 69. So much is made of estrogen dominance, but there is scarce information on how to correct low estrogen. I hope to get some advice here, thanks.
You could take some soy lecithin, Bile Builder, DIM and flax. Short of actual HRT these would provide the necessary components to produce and properly convert estrogen in to the right types.