Pregnenolone
The 'mother hormone' — the first steroid synthesized from cholesterol and the precursor from which DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen are all made. Beyond its role at the top of steroidogenesis, pregnenolone is a potent neurosteroid that modulates NMDA and GABA-A receptors, with human evidence for memory and mood. Levels decline substantially with age.
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BiohackingHub Research TeamEditorial Research Team · Last updated: June 3, 2026
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Stacking Interactions
How Pregnenolone interacts with other compounds
Pregnenolone sits upstream of DHEA in the steroid cascade; supplementing both restores precursor supply across the full pathway. The core pairing in hormonal-restoration protocols.
Maca adds non-hormonal libido and energy support, rounding out a hormonal-optimization stack without increasing the steroid load.
Both blunt the stress axis — pregnenolone as a neurosteroid, phosphatidylserine via cortisol modulation — for cognitive and stress benefit.
Complementary NMDA/GABA-A modulation supporting cognition and calm.
Safety Profile — Tier C
Use caution — limited human data
Contraindications
- ●Hormone-sensitive cancers
- ●Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- ●Seizure disorders — neurosteroid activity may alter seizure threshold
- ●Hormone-related conditions without medical supervision
Side Effects
- ●Headache
- ●Insomnia or overstimulation if dosed too late in the day
- ●Irritability or anxiety at higher doses
- ●Acne or androgenic effects via downstream conversion
- ●Heart palpitations (uncommon)