Female Hormonal Optimization Protocol
A conservative, bloodwork-guided protocol that restores the female steroid cascade from the top: pregnenolone refills the precursor pool, DHEA restores the key downstream androgen at a female-specific low dose, and maca supports libido and energy through non-hormonal pathways. Built for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women working with a clinician.
Daily Schedule
Timing and dosage for each step
Morning
3000 mg
Gelatinized maca with food. The safest component and the recommended starting point — improves libido and menopausal symptoms without changing hormone levels. Effects build over 6-8 weeks.
Morning
10 mg
Female-specific low dose (start 5mg if sensitive). Restores the key downstream androgen for libido, energy, and bone. Add only after baseline bloodwork. Acne or facial hair means the dose is too high.
Morning
10 mg
Restores the top of the steroid cascade plus neurosteroid support for memory and mood. Add last. Morning dosing avoids sleep disruption.
Mandatory: Bloodwork Before the Hormonal Components
Maca can be started alone without testing. But DHEA and pregnenolone are real hormones — do not start them without:
- Baseline panel: DHEA-S, total and free testosterone, estradiol, pregnenolone.
- Follow-up at 8-12 weeks: repeat the panel, adjust to youthful-physiological range, re-test before further changes.
Contraindications: hormone-sensitive cancers, PCOS, pregnancy, breastfeeding. This protocol is for informed women working with a clinician. See the full Female Hormonal Optimization article for the staged build-up and tracking plan.