As a prohormone, pregnenolone promotes multiple functions in the healthy human body. As a supplement, it is used primarily to support normal brain function. Pregnenolone is a neuroactive substance that is found in high concentrations in certain areas of healthy young brains. For this reason, pregnenolone supplementation has been investigated for its ability to improve sleep quality and cognitive health. Pregnenolone, a natural precursor to more than 150 steroid hormones, helps support the immune system, mood and memory. In the body it is converted into DHEA and/or progesterone. DHEA is a hormone that is naturally produced by the human body, but it can also be made as a dietary supplement. DHEA is a precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). It is the parent hormone and is produced by the adrenal glands near the kidneys and liver. In men, DHEA is also secreted by the testes. Research shows that supplemental DHEA may increase levels of the male hormone testosterone, stimulate sex drive, and improve overall quality of life. It may also be effective for depression and weight loss.
