In the world of men’s health, testosterone often grabs the spotlight. But there’s a lesser-known hero playing a crucial role behind the scenes: Pregnenolone. Known as the “mother hormone,” pregnenolone is vital for synthesizing hormones like testosterone and estrogen. 

On an episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, ReNue Health® president Dr. Rob Kominiarek joined our CEO Amy Stuttle for an in-depth discussion on hormones and the role of pregnenolone supplements. Have a listen below, then read on for more.

Now, let’s dive into how Pregnenolone can be a game-changer for men’s health, its potential side effects, and how you can incorporate it into your wellness regimen. 

What is Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is a powerhouse hormone produced naturally in your body from cholesterol. It’s synthesized in the mitochondria throughout the body, but primarily within the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain.

It’s the starting point for creating other hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, playing a pivotal role in maintaining your body’s hormone balance and stress response system.

How Does Pregnenolone Work?

Pregnenolone is more than just a precursor to other hormones—it has powerful effects on its own. It plays a critical role in brain health, exerting anti-inflammatory effects that enhance memory, learning, and cognitive function. Research shows that pregnenolone can alleviate depressive symptoms, protect against neurodegeneration, and support overall mental clarity.

While pregnenolone levels naturally decline with age, they’re often especially low in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and psychological trauma. 

For this reason, we see a lot of military veterans benefit from pregnenolone supplementation. Beyond brain health, pregnenolone also supports immune function, mood stability, and overall well-being.

What’s the key takeaway here? Pregnenolone is an underutilized hormone with great benefits to cognitive and psychological health.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Pregnenolone

Do you ever feel like something is just off? When your brain feels foggy or your energy levels aren’t what they used to be, it’s easy to brush it off as getting older or being busy. But your hormones—especially pregnenolone—could be playing a bigger role than you think. 

When your pregnenolone levels dip, it can throw off your body’s entire hormone balance, leading to symptoms that impact your daily life. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Chronic Fatigue – If you’re always feeling drained, pregnenolone could be the missing piece to help restore your energy.
• Brain Fog – Are you having trouble focusing, remembering things, or staying sharp? Pregnenolone plays a key role in cognitive function.
• Inability to Relax, Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia – Low pregnenolone levels may contribute to heightened anxiety, depressive symptoms, trouble sleeping, and  difficulty unwinding even when you feel exhausted.
• Hypersensitivity to Stimulants and THC – Experiencing an exaggerated response to caffeine, THC, or other stimulants? Low pregnenolone can contribute to heightened sensitivity.
• Poor Stress Tolerance – Struggling to handle life’s curveballs? Pregnenolone helps your body better adapt to stress.

If any of these resonate with you, it could be worth speaking with a healthcare provider about whether pregnenolone supplementation could help get you back to feeling your best.

How Can Pregnenolone Help?

Pregnenolone plays a vital role in various physiological functions, making it particularly important for men’s health. When the body lacks sufficient pregnenolone, several aspects of health can be affected:

• Mood Regulation – Pregnenolone is involved in the synthesis of other hormones, which helps regulate stress response. Without proper levels of Pregnenolone, individuals may experience mood disturbances such as anxiety, irritability, or depression. 
• Cognitive Function – Pregnenolone plays a role in maintaining optimal brain function. Inadequate levels of Pregnenolone may lead to cognitive decline, memory problems, and difficulty focusing. 
• Energy Levels – Pregnenolone is involved with adrenal hormones, which help regulate energy metabolism and response to stress. Low levels of Pregnenolone may contribute to an overall lack of energy.
• Sexual Health – Pregnenolone serves as a starter to sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, which play a crucial role in libido, sexual function, and overall health. Inadequate Pregnenolone levels may lead to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual problems in men.

Pregnenolone vs. Micronized Pregnenolone: Which is Better?

Not all pregnenolone supplements are created equal. You might have seen standard pregnenolone on store shelves, but if you’re looking for the best results, micronized, pharmaceutical grade, or compounded pregnenolone is the way to go. 

So what’s the difference, and why does it matter?

Regular pregnenolone is the most common form, but it has poor bioavailability and an immediate-release effect. It has a short half-life of just 40 minutes, meaning it creates a quick spike and drop rather than providing steady support. Additionally, when taken orally, it passes through the liver, where a significant portion is metabolized into progesterone. While progesterone has its own benefits, excessive conversion may not be ideal for everyone.

Here’s Why Micronized Pregnenolone is the Better Choice

Micronized pregnenolone in a sustained-release sublingual tablet is a superior option. Through a specialized process, the particles are broken down into smaller, more absorbable sizes, and the sustained-release formula ensures a gradual, steady effect. This means:

• Better Absorption – More pregnenolone gets into your system, so each dose is more effective.
• Consistent Hormone Support – A sustained-release formula mimics how your body naturally produces pregnenolone, avoiding the quick spike and crash of immediate-release versions.
• Less Unwanted Conversion – Bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver helps reduce excessive conversion to progesterone.
• Stronger Cognitive and Adrenal Benefits – With better absorption and a gradual release, you’ll likely experience more noticeable improvements in mental clarity, mood, stress resilience, and energy levels.

At Victory Men’s Health, we only offer medical-grade micronized pregnenolone because we want our patients to get the best possible results. If you’re serious about optimizing your hormones, we recommend choosing micronized pregnenolone.

How Pregnenolone Supports Testosterone

If you’re trying to optimize your hormones by taking testosterone alone but still struggling with lingering symptoms, pregnenolone might be the missing piece. Think of it like a band. Hearing a guitar playing might sound good, but if you add a drummer and a singer? It’s magic. Many guys think they just need testosterone, when they really need to improve all their declining hormones. 

Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone that plays a role in hormone balance, but taking it won’t directly increase your testosterone levels. While it serves as the starting point for testosterone production, supplementing with pregnenolone won’t “fix” low testosterone on its own. 

However, it can support cognitive function, stress resilience, and adrenal health, which are all important factors—whether you’re on testosterone therapy or exploring your options. Ensuring your pregnenolone levels are in check may help optimize your body’s hormone balance and enhance overall vitality. Here’s a closer look at why it’s so important:

• Key Player in Hormone Synthesis – Pregnenolone is the first step in the chain that produces testosterone. Without enough, your body can’t effectively create the testosterone it needs.
• Supports Hormonal Balance – Pregnenolone helps maintain a balanced ratio of testosterone and other hormones, which is critical for your energy, libido, and mood.
• Boosts Cortisol Regulation – By helping balance stress hormones, pregnenolone allows your body to focus on producing testosterone instead of being stuck in “stress mode.”

What are the Side Effects of Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone supplements are generally well-tolerated, but as with any supplement or medication, side effects are always a possibility. Here are the potential side effects of pregnenolone to be aware of: 

• Water Retention/Bloating – Some people may experience temporary fluid retention or bloating, which often resolves as the body adjusts.
• Sleep Disturbances – Pregnenolone often supports better sleep, but some individuals may find it has a stimulatory effect. If you experience restlessness, try taking it in the morning instead of at night.
• Hormonal Imbalances – Too much pregnenolone may cause shifts in other hormones, so it’s best to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor your dosing and needs.
• Mood Swings – In rare cases, some people report irritability or restlessness when starting pregnenolone.

The good news? These side effects are usually mild and can be managed by adjusting your dosage or timing. At Victory Men’s Health, we ensure you’re taking the right amount for your body and needs to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

FAQs About Pregnenolone for Men

How Long Should One Take This Supplement?

As long as it is creating benefits and no significant issues arise, patients can and should take this supplement long-term.

Is Pregnenolone Expensive?

No, it’s actually very inexpensive. Our medical-grade pregnenolone supplement costs $16 for 100 tablets.

What Symptoms Might Lead Someone To Take Pregnenolone?

Symptoms that might lead someone to take this supplement include brain fog, a history of brain injury, confusion, difficulty remembering things, or a desire to keep the brain sharp for preventative reasons in men over fifty. 

What Would You Pair This Supplement With?

This supplement should be paired with other hormones that the patient clearly needs, based on laboratory tests and symptoms. Mostly, it would be paired with testosterone and DHEA.

Where Can You Find Pregnenolone For Men?

Our online store makes it easy to access pregnenolone products that meet our stringent quality standards, ensuring you’re getting the best support for your hormonal balance.

Take Charge of Your Hormones—And Your Well-Being

Pregnenolone might not grab the spotlight like testosterone, but its role as the “mother hormone” makes it an essential part of your health and vitality. From boosting cognitive function to supporting hormonal balance and stress resilience, it’s a powerhouse of a hormone.

If you’ve been dealing with brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or other signs of hormone imbalance, pregnenolone could be the missing piece to help you feel like yourself again. At Victory Men’s Health, we specialize in tailored solutions that address your unique needs, ensuring you get the most out of your wellness journey.

Contact our team to schedule a consultation or visit our online store to explore our medical-grade supplements. Let’s make this your healthiest year yet!

We’re sharing it all on the podcast.

For those interested in learning more, we invite you to check out the Women Want Men Strong podcast hosted by Amy Stuttle, the founder and CEO of Victory Men’s Health available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.