[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or making changes to your treatment plan.]
As you age, your body’s testosterone levels naturally start to drop—and this affects not just men but women as well.
A 2022 study published in “Physiological Reports” showed this decline in sex hormones could put you at higher risk for heart and kidney disease.
While prescription testosterone can help boost these levels back up, many people experience uncomfortable allergic reactions to the injections.
That’s where over-the-counter alternatives like DHEA and Pregnenolone come in—they might offer a gentler solution.
But what exactly are these compounds, and which one might be right for you? Let’s find out!
TL;DR – Pregnenolone vs. DHEA
Here’s a quick comparison of these critical hormones to help you understand their key differences and benefits:
| Pregnenolone | DHEA |
| A “parent” hormone your body makes from cholesterol that helps create other hormones and supports brain function. | A hormone made by your adrenal glands that helps produce sex hormones and supports energy levels. |
| Pros | Pros |
| Improves memory and learning Enhances cognitive function Reduces depression symptoms Promotes better sleep quality Helps manage stress | Increases energy levels Improves bone density Enhances immune function Helps with depression May improve libido |
| Cons | Cons |
| Limited research Possible mood swings Risk of hormonal imbalance | Can increase estrogen May cause acne Hair loss in some users Risk of hormone-sensitive cancers |
| Best For | Best For |
| Cognitive enhancement, mood disorders, sleep issues, neurological conditions | Sexual dysfunction, low bone density, adrenal fatigue, skin aging |
What Is Pregnenolone? What Does It Do?
Often called the “mother of all hormones,” Pregnenolone is a natural steroid hormone your body produces from cholesterol. The brain, adrenal glands, and gonads all produce Pregnenolone naturally.
It serves as a precursor to many other essential hormones, including progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA itself.
Beyond serving as a building block, Pregnenolone also functions as a neurosteroid, meaning it can directly affect brain function and neural communication.mmunication.
So improved cognition, learning, memory, and neural growth.
Normal Pregnenolone Levels by Age
Research on healthy individuals aged 2-66 years shows specific patterns in blood Pregnenolone levels (measured as serum Pregnenolone).
The study used advanced laboratory techniques (radioimmunoassay following HPLC separation – the gold standard for hormone testing).
It shows the differences between men and women:
Men’s Pattern:
- Highest Level (Age 17): 2.29 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter, a standard measure of hormone concentration)
- Lowest Point (Age 37): Levels drop to their minimum
- Second, Smaller Peak (Age 48): 0.92 nmol/L (this increase is minor and not statistically significant)
Women’s Pattern:
- Highest Level (Age 16): 3.21 nmol/L
- Lowest Point (Age 38): Levels drop to their minimum
- Second, Smaller Peak (Age 47): 1.78 nmol/L (this increase is also minor and not statistically significant)
Key Findings:
- Women typically have higher Pregnenolone levels than men throughout life
- Women’s levels fluctuate more during their reproductive years because:
- Pregnenolone helps make progesterone, an important female hormone
- Levels change naturally during the menstrual cycle
- Both men and women show a similar pattern:
- The first major peak during the teenage years
- Drop in late-30s
- Slight increase in the mid-to-late 40s and then drop again
Important Note: Individual levels can vary. Women especially may show different readings depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle when tested. Also, hormone testing usually requires fasting and morning samples for accuracy.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories suggests that normal Pregnenolone levels in adults should be between 33 and 248 ng/dL (1.04 and 7.84 nmol/L). Values below 33 ng/dL (1.04 nmol/L) are considered deficient.
Pregnenolone Benefits
Here are the research-backed benefits of Pregnenolone supplementation:
Brain Function & Memory
Your brain contains high concentrations of Pregnenolone. Here, it acts as a neurosteroid to protect your neurons against inflammation and damage.
Studies show it helps improve memory formation and learning ability.
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that Alzheimer’s patients often have significantly lower Pregnenolone levels, with disease severity increasing as Pregnenolone levels decrease.
Hormone Balance & Energy
As the “mother hormone,” Pregnenolone helps the body produce other essential hormones, such as cortisol (stress hormone), DHEA, and testosterone.
Normal levels of these hormones can help with issues like adrenal fatigue, low energy, thyroid problems, and infertility.
Mental Health & Depression
Pregnenolone helps regulate essential brain proteins called MT-associated proteins (MAPs).
When these MAPs don’t work properly, they can lead to depression.
A 2017 clinical study of bipolar depression patients found that taking Pregnenolone for 6 weeks improved their depression symptoms by helping normalize these MAP levels in their brains.
Natural Pain Relief
Unlike conventional painkillers, Pregnenolone works through your body’s endocannabinoid system – the same system that responds to marijuana’s THC.
However, Pregnenolone doesn’t make you high. It binds to cannabinoid receptors to help reduce pain and inflammation naturally.
Schizophrenia Support
A comprehensive 2019 medical review found that Pregnenolone therapy significantly enhanced cognitive function and daily living abilities in schizophrenia patients.
Another 2018 study showed benefits when taken during the first schizophrenic episodes (for 1 month), even before starting traditional treatments.
Addiction Recovery
Pregnenolone shows promising results for addiction treatment.
A 2023 study of 43 people with alcohol use disorder found that 300mg daily reduced their alcohol cravings when exposed to stress or drinking triggers.
Similarly, compulsive cocaine users taking 300-500mg daily for two weeks experienced fewer drug cravings and anxiety in a 2022 clinical trial.
Inflammatory Conditions
Pregnenolone may also help with various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and osteoporosis.
A 2017 study in Bioorganic Medicine & Chemistry Letters highlighted its potential as a novel treatment for bone loss.
Pregnenolone Dosage
According to the University of Maryland’s FDA-commissioned research (2020), Pregnenolone dosing varies based on your condition and how you take it.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
- Mood, Cognition & Memory:
- 15-100mg daily
- Taken as oral capsules
- Typical duration: 4-8 weeks
- Bipolar Depression:
- 100-500mg daily
- Oral capsules
- Treatment period: 12 weeks
- Schizophrenia:
- Starting dose: 30mg
- Can increase up to 500mg daily
- Average treatment: 8-14 weeks
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
- 400mg daily
- Given as oral capsules
- Short duration: 3 doses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- 100-300mg daily
- Given through intramuscular injection
- Duration: 1 week to 6 months
- High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia):
- 15-300mg daily
- Treatment period: 3-9 months
Important Considerations: Women often require different dosing than men because Pregnenolone helps make progesterone and interacts with menstrual cycles. Your healthcare provider will likely start with a lower dose and adjust based on your response.
Pregnenolone Side Effects
Pregnenolone is generally well-tolerated. There is no side effect data in any clinical trial yet!
But since it’s a steroid hormone, theoretically, it may have similar side effects to other steroids.
When taking Pregnenolone short-term, you might experience:
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Mood changes (ranging from depression to euphoria)
- Mental effects like confusion
- Digestive issues (upset stomach)
- Increased appetite
Long-term use of Pregnenolone, like other steroid hormones, may lead to more serious health concerns:
Physical Changes:
- Skin-related issues (thinning, easy bruising)
- Facial changes (roundness)
- Muscle weakness
- Slower wound healing
- Weakening of bones
Internal Health Effects:
- Blood pressure elevation
- Higher blood sugar levels
- Greater risk of infections
- Problems with your adrenal glands (which produce natural hormones)
Eye-Related Concerns:
- Increased risk of cataracts
- Potential development of glaucoma (pressure in your eyes)
When starting Pregnenolone, watch for any unusual changes in your body or mood and report them to your healthcare provider immediately.
What Is DHEA? What Does It Do?
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is another naturally occurring steroid hormone precursor. This is produced mainly by your adrenal glands.
DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, used by the body to produce testosterone and estrogen.
Like Pregnenolone, DHEA levels naturally decline with age, which has led to significant interest in DHEA supplementation.
Normal DHEA Levels by Age
According to Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ 2024 reference values, your DHEA levels naturally change throughout your lifetime:
The levels start relatively high for newborns and young children, then decrease rapidly.
- Premature babies should have levels below 40 ng/mL
- Full-term newborns (0-1 day old) should have levels under 11 ng/mL
DHEA levels remain quite low during early childhood—under 2.3 ng/mL for children aged 2 to 5.
As you approach adolescence, these levels gradually increase:
- Children aged 6-10 typically show levels below 3.4 ng/mL
- Teenagers (11-14 years) may have levels up to 5.0 ng/mL
- This may increase to 6.6 ng/mL in later teens (15-18 years).
Your DHEA levels peak in young adulthood (19-30 years) at around 13 ng/mL.
After this, you’ll notice a steady decline:
- 31-40-year-olds typically show levels below 10 ng/mL,
- 41-50 year-olds below 8.0 ng/mL
- 51-60 year-olds below 6.0 ng/mL.
Once you’re over 61, your levels typically stay below 5.0 ng/mL.
Anything below these points may be seen as deficient.
If you’re concerned about your DHEA levels, your healthcare provider can order a simple blood test to check them.
DHEA Benefits
Here are some of the science-backed benefits of DHEA supplementation:
Bone Health & Density
If you’re concerned about bone health, especially as you age, DHEA might help.
Your DHEA levels are directly linked to bone density—when one is low, the other often follows.
A comprehensive 2019 medical review found that DHEA supplements helped preserve bone density, specifically in older women, though interestingly, not in men.
However, if you’re young, don’t expect DHEA to boost your bone density—there are no benefits for younger adults.
Testosterone & Performance
Looking to boost your testosterone naturally?
DHEA might be your answer.
Your body can convert DHEA into testosterone, and research supports this effect.
A 2013 study showed that taking 50mg of DHEA daily increased free testosterone levels in middle-aged adults who were doing high-intensity interval training.
This makes it particularly interesting for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
Mental Health Support
DHEA shows promise for mental health, particularly depression.
While research is still ongoing, a 2014 scientific review found that DHEA may help with mild depression and cases resistant to traditional treatments.
It’s exciting because it might help people who don’t respond well to conventional antidepressants, though more extensive studies are still needed.
Adrenal Health & Energy
Your adrenal glands naturally produce DHEA and other crucial hormones like cortisol and aldosterone.
If you have adrenal insufficiency (where these glands don’t produce enough hormones), DHEA supplements might help.
Research shows it can improve your mood, overall health perception, and sexual wellness.
Common signs of low DHEA include ongoing fatigue, poor focus, and reduced sense of well-being.
Body Composition
A 2013 research found that older men taking DHEA showed small but significant improvements in their body composition.
However, if you’re younger, don’t expect magical muscle gains or fat loss—it’s ineffective for these purposes in younger adults.
Women’s Health
DHEA shows particular promise for women’s health issues, especially during menopause.
A 2015 clinical study found it helpful for vaginal atrophy—a common menopausal condition where vaginal tissues thin due to decreased estrogen.
While more research is needed, early results are promising for improving the symptoms.
Note: Many women are now preferring peptides for menopause symptoms as an alternative option.
Beyond these specific benefits, DHEA supplementation may help with general well-being.
If you’re experiencing fatigue, poor concentration, or just feeling “off,” low DHEA might be the culprit.
A simple blood test called the “DHEA-sulfate serum test” can determine if your levels are low.
DHEA Dosage
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that doses over 50mg daily more effectively increased testosterone levels than lower doses.
But these higher doses also increased estrogen levels significantly.
A clinical trial published in Clinical Endocrinology (1998) found that a 100mg daily dose of DHEA for 6 months elevated serum DHEA to young adult levels. However, it led to above-normal androgen levels in women but not in men.
For postmenopausal women, a 0.50% DHEA concentration (through intravaginal administration) helps maintain normal postmenopausal hormone values.
General Dosing Guidelines:
- Standard daily dose: 25-50mg
- Maximum studied safe dose: 50mg daily for up to 1 year
The highest tested dose was 1,600mg daily for 28 days, though this isn’t recommended for regular use.
Administration Methods:
- Oral supplements (most common)
- Topical creams (0.5% concentration)
- Vaginal products (for specific conditions)
- Sublingual tablets (better absorption)
The effectiveness of DHEA isn’t just about the dose—it depends on your body’s ability to convert it into other hormones.
Your doctor should monitor your hormone levels and adjust dosing accordingly.
Remember that DHEA levels naturally peak in your mid-20s and decline with age, so supplementation needs may vary based on your age and overall health status.
DHEA Side Effects
DHEA supplementation requires careful consideration of potential side effects:
- Reduced HDL (good) cholesterol levels
- Acne and oily skin problems
- Male-pattern hair growth in women
- Heart palpitations
- Mood changes, including potential mania
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
Since your liver processes DHEA, you should avoid this supplement if you have any liver problems.
DHEA metabolism happens primarily in the liver, so liver disease or dysfunction could lead to dangerous hormone imbalances.
Medical Interactions: DHEA can interact with several medications:
- Psychiatric medications (antipsychotics, lithium, SSRIs)
- Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, valproic acid)
- Hormone treatments (estrogen, testosterone)
- Sleep medications (triazolam)
- Other mood stabilizers (phenothiazines)
All of these concerns are based on the clinical studies we linked above. However, these are mostly short-term studies.
The longest high-quality study tracked DHEA use for 2 years, so long-term safety still isn’t fully established.
Pregnenolone vs. DHEA Comparison
Let’s examine how these two important hormones stack up against each other in five key areas:
| Aspect | Pregnenolone | DHEA |
| Primary Function | Precursor to all steroid hormones | The precursor to sex hormones |
| Production Site | Brain, adrenals, gonads | Primarily adrenal glands |
| Half-life | 40 minutes (Sulfate form can last anywhere from 7 to 22 hours) | 15-30 minutes (DHEAS, its sulfate form, can last much longer, 7-10 hours) |
| Brain Effects | Strong neurosteroid effects | Moderate neurosteroid effects |
| Age-related Decline | 60% decrease by age 75 | 80% decrease by age 75 |
Similarities and Differences
While Pregnenolone and DHEA share similarities, they have some notable differences. Let’s look at both:
Pregnenolone and DHEA Similarities
Both hormones share several common characteristics:
- Both are produced naturally in the body
- Levels decline significantly with age
- Work as neurosteroids in the brain
- Can improve cognitive function
- Available as over-the-counter supplements
- Help with mood regulation
- Support overall hormone balance
Pregnenolone and DHEA Differences
Key differences include:
- Pregnenolone is active in the brain; DHEA is mainly peripheral.
- Pregnenolone modulates neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the body); DHEA converts to sex hormones.
- Pregnenolone boosts cognition; DHEA enhances physique.
- Pregnenolone increases progesterone/cortisol; DHEA increases testosterone/estrogen.
- Pregnenolone improves mood; DHEA is better known for boosting libido (though if you’re specifically looking to enhance sexual function, specialized peptides for libido may be more effective).
- Pregnenolone causes mood/sleep side effects; DHEA causes androgenic side effects.
Can I Take Pregnenolone and DHEA Together?
While both supplements can be taken together (and some brands even offer combination pills), the relationship between these hormones is complex and worth understanding before supplementing.
As we mentioned earlier, Pregnenolone is actually a precursor that your body uses to make DHEA, which raises an interesting question:
If Pregnenolone naturally produces DHEA, do you need to take both?
According to several experienced users in supplement forums, the answer depends on your specific needs.
DHEA converts more directly to testosterone and estrogen, while Pregnenolone creates various other steroids, including cortisol (your stress hormone) and progesterone.
Some users recommend alternating between the two with a “cycling” approach—one week of Pregnenolone, one week of DHEA, followed by a week-long break.
This break period is important for men as it helps prevent excess estrogen conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions about these important hormones:
How Does Age Affect the Need for Pregnenolone or DHEA?
Due to the age-related drop in endogenous levels, those over 30 may benefit most from supplementation—especially those aged 40+.
However, optimal levels vary individually based on lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress.
Younger people (under 30) typically don’t need supplementation unless they have specific deficiencies.
Testing hormone levels can confirm if you’ll benefit from supplementing. Stick to the lowest effective dose matched to lab work.
What’s the Best Time to Take DHEA and Pregnenolone?
Timing can significantly impact effectiveness:
DHEA:
- Best taken in the morning.
- Split larger doses throughout the day.
- Take with food to reduce side effects.
Pregnenolone:
- It can be taken in the morning or evening.
- Some prefer taking it in the evening for sleep benefits.
- Take on an empty stomach for better absorption.
Which Is Better for Weight Loss: Pregnenolone or DHEA?
While DHEA has the potential to reduce fat mass and improve body composition, neither is likely a potent weight loss aid on its own.
Calorie restriction and exercise remain vastly more impactful.
That being said, DHEA might provide additional metabolic or hormone optimization benefits alongside traditional weight loss efforts.
Pregnenolone is less likely to influence weight directly but can aid fat loss efforts by reducing stress-related overeating.
For women looking to lose fat, peptides for female fat loss might be a more practical option.
Conclusion
Both Pregnenolone and DHEA play vital roles in hormone health, but they serve different primary functions.
The choice between them depends on your specific needs:
- For Cognitive Focus & Memory: Consider Pregnenolone
- For Physical Energy & Libido: Consider DHEA
- For Comprehensive Hormone Support: Consider both under medical supervision
Remember that these supplements aren’t magic bullets. They work best when used in conjunction with a holistic approach to health that includes proper diet, exercise, and stress management.
The key is to recognize that what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust accordingly!
