What is pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone is the upstream steroid precursor to cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and downstream sex hormones. It is reviewed selectively in advanced hormone workups.
Full answer
Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol and serves as the precursor to cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and downstream sex steroids. Low pregnenolone can suggest broad adrenal under-synthesis but isolated values rarely drive treatment decisions. Within oMeds review, pregnenolone is interpreted alongside DHEA-S, cortisol AM, and downstream steroid balance, never in isolation. Supplementation is provider-directed because exogenous pregnenolone can shift downstream steroid balance unpredictably and may interact with hormone optimization pathways.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Pregnenolone — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29