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Hormones

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is the foundational precursor for testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol production in men. Understanding your pregnenolone levels can help assess the raw material available for maintaining optimal male hormone balance.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Male
nmol/L
Low 0.9 Normal 6.3 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of pregnenolone in your blood. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol primarily in the adrenal glands and serves as the foundational building block for the production of all steroid hormones in the body.

Why It Matters

For men, pregnenolone availability may influence testosterone and DHEA production, which are important for energy, muscle maintenance, libido, and stress resilience. Monitoring this precursor hormone can reveal upstream hormonal bottlenecks.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, chronic fatigue, cognitive changes, or suspected adrenal dysfunction. Your healthcare provider can determine whether pregnenolone testing is appropriate for your situation.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low pregnenolone may experience fatigue, poor memory, low mood, joint stiffness, or reduced stress tolerance. Low levels may also be associated with downstream deficiencies in other steroid hormones.

High Levels

Elevated pregnenolone levels are relatively uncommon and may sometimes be associated with adrenal overactivity or certain enzyme deficiencies. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation if levels are above the reference range.

Lifestyle Tips

Stress management, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet with healthy fats may support pregnenolone production. Chronic stress can divert pregnenolone toward cortisol production at the expense of other hormones. Consult your healthcare provider before considering any supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pregnenolone called the "mother hormone"?
Pregnenolone is the first hormone produced from cholesterol and serves as the precursor for all other steroid hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone.
Can stress affect pregnenolone levels?
Yes, chronic stress may cause the body to prioritize cortisol production from pregnenolone, potentially reducing the availability for other hormones. This is sometimes called the "pregnenolone steal."
Does pregnenolone decline with age?
Pregnenolone production typically decreases with age. This natural decline may contribute to reductions in downstream hormones and is sometimes associated with age-related changes in energy and cognition.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Health Checkups

Men Over 40 Panel

Age-appropriate screening including testosterone and PSA.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Creatinine Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Cholesterol Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) HDL Cholesterol
€279,-
Health Checkups

Complete Men's Health Panel

A broad men's health panel: hormones, heart, metabolic, and organ function in one blood draw.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Creatinine Glucose (Fasting) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Cholesterol Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Ferritin hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) HDL Cholesterol
€289,-

Pregnenolone

€130,-