This hormone, produced chiefly in the adrenal glands, is sometimes referred to as 'the mother of hormones'. As the body synthesizes various hormones from cholesterol, pregnenolone is the first to be manufactured. From it, progesterone and DHEA are formed, and these substances are precursors to a wide array of other hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone.

Pregnenolone is available over-the-counter at health food stores and can also be prescribed by a physician in specific dosages or forms. A compounding pharmacy can prepare it as sublingual drops, topical creams, lozenges or capsules.

Deficiencies are not necessarily apparent; however, there is a growing body of evidence which suggests several distinct benefits of pregnenolone supplementation:

1) Improvement of adrenal system function (stress can cause depletion)

2) Brain health (enhances memory)

3) Immune system integrity (can decrease inflammatory responses)