Pregnenolone

[Leeleep]

Had anyone been on Pregnenolone to get their cortisol levels up?

[SheffieldJane]

No, I hadn’t heard of it so I looked it up. It naturally occurs in the body and seems to be an over the counter remedy, claiming to be effective in combating fatigue and memory problems. It sounds interesting. Have you been prescribed it or did you find it yourself?

You must tell us if it’s helping, presumably on top of replacement steroid for your Adrenal Function?

[Leeleep in reply to SheffieldJane]

I’m going to make an appointment in functional medicine office. Pregnenolone has been used for years but would not do this on my own or w/o bringing information back to rheumatologist to consult about it also. It’s a pre-curser to DHEA. I believe I’m low in that fir many years.

I think our docs should check our cortisol levels when they start treating us with prednisone so we at least know where we are in the beginning.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Leeleep]

Having read PMRPro’s careful research. I don’t think I’d be taking it any time soon. I can understand your searching for something to combat the awful fatigue, though. Good luck.

[Leeleep in reply to SheffieldJane]

Fatigue is not the issue. Cortisol is 1.5.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Leeleep]

How is it making you feel Leeleep? I always imagined that it would feel like chronic fatigue.

[Leeleep in reply to SheffieldJane]

More body pain and headaches. Having had CFS/CFIDS/Fibromyalgia since 7/4/82 following a C section, I have leaned that food allergies can control many of my symptoms. So for most part if I don’t cheat I do keep them at bay, however when I got GCA/PMR diagnosis the pain and body movement issues were no longer getting relief with diet but the fatigue still can be controlled by diet .

[SheffieldJane in reply to Leeleep]

I admire the way you take charge. I hope that you are successful with this latest challenge. I am sorry that you have pain and headaches.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Even a website that I would expect to be all for it includes the following warning:

"Clinical use of the supplement has shown potential side effects and reasons not to use it. High doses can lead to irritability. This may increase to aggression, mostly of a verbal nature. Anger is another potential side effect of high doses of pregnenolone. Some of these side effects come from possible over-stimulation brought on by the supplement. The weaker the adrenals, the greater the risk. Panic attacks and adrenal crashes could occur.

Acne or oily skin may also be seen with pregnenolone supplements. Acne may become severe, and can show up only after stopping the supplementation. Hair loss or hair growth on the face is possible. Using pregnenolone supplements daily or for a long time may lead to losing hair on the head. Headaches are common as a side effect if pregnenolone is taken in large doses, or over long periods of time in low doses. Heart palpitations or arrhythmias can happen even with low dosages. This can be especially dangerous for the elderly or those with any kind of heart rhythm disturbance. Insomnia or night sweats can occur if the pregnenolone supplement is taken at night. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid pregnenolone supplements.

Any of the above side effects will be worse when you take these supplements in high doses. If taken over a long period of time, withdrawal can be difficult. You may experience restlessness, high levels of anxiety, and nervousness. Some people report depression, fatigue, and even paranoia when stopping the supplement. The safest way of withdrawing from this supplement is to reduce your dosage by no more than 10mg per day.

Testosterone created by the pregnenolone supplementThere also may be interactions with other substances. If you’re taking estrogens, don’t take pregnenolone supplements. They will lead to too much estrogen in your system. The same is true with progestin and testosterone supplements.

In general, supplementation with pregnenolone is safe as long as it is conducted under the supervision of a well-trained physician. It is not something to be undertaken by yourself, although you may have to educate your physician so he/she can best help you."

The "adrenal fatigue syndrome" that the internet goes on about all the time does NOT exist. It is a reason for them to sell supplements and diet plans - at your expense and their profit. But when it comes to this supplement - they don't seem enthusiastic.

However - I suppose if your endocrinologist thought it was a good idea and supervised it it might be OK.

[30048]

No. I did take DHEA for years before I I developed CGA. I am now on prednisolone , a prescription , and it does seem to be working. It does not go thru the liver .

[Leeleep in reply to 30048]

Do you have normal cortisol levels?

[30048 in reply to Leeleep]

At the time I did. A endocrinologist recommended it as he thought I had a problem with my adrenal glands. I think I might have had PMR and he did not diagnosis it .

[30048 in reply to 30048]

In addition . My memory of it was that I was not as tired and did not have any significant side effects. For me it was probably a placebo😊

[Hidden]

So... Would DHEA be safer to use if not on a regular basis, to be used occasionally when you are really "exhausted"? ? I notice that older patients are prescribed by a qualified physician. I wondered what is the mechanism behind the hair loss and "rage" whilst on pregnenolone? Would thyroid be affected (increased) by this precursor hormone? It's quite hard to believe that such a risky hormone has been prescribed by physicians and people would actually want to take it, though.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

It messes up the hormone balance to cause some of the effects.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

I believe preg, melatonin, thyroid porcine supplements etc are contraindicated if you have ant autoimmune diseases, esp, SLE. It intensifies cytokines and you are stuffed.

[30048]

When you suffer from chronic fatigue and there does not appear to be a definite diagnosis....I guess you will try something a doctor recommends and see if it works. I did and it made me have more energy...or so I thought at the time. Nothing ventured....nothing gained. If there were side effects ..I was not aware of them,

[Hidden in reply to 30048]

are you still on preg? If it works, but you know nobody knows its long term effects. However, I doubt anybody would want to be on it long-term.