Back to Basics! Two Hormones of More Importance Than Many People Know

Back to Basics!

The next 2-3 weeks I will be writing about DHEA and Pregnenolone, two hormones of more importance than many people know.

First, there is a cascade of how hormones are made. It starts with cholesterol!  Not only is cholesterol not a bad guy, it is one of the most vitally important substances in your body.

Cholesterol is the precursor of all steroid hormones and many doctors are on a mission to get rid of cholesterol.  Why?

Steroid Hormone Cascade

  1. Cholesterol converts to Pregnenolone.
  2. Pregnenolone converts to 1 of 3 different hormones.
    1. DHEA,
    2. Progesterone,
    3. Cortisol
  3. DHEA converts to Testosterone
  4. Testosterone converts to Estrogen
  5. Progesterone converts to Aldosterone
  6. Cortisol is an end hormone as it does not convert into another hormone.

Pregnenolone is nicknamed ” the mother hormone”.  It is a precursor hormone to all other steroid hormones.   Made in the brain it is referred to as a neurosteroid.  It is mostly made in the adrenal glands, followed by the ovaries and testes.

What Does Pregnenolone Do In the Body?   Why is it important?

  1. It is the most potent memory enhancer in our bodies.
  2. It is the most important hormone in maintaining cognitive functioning.
  3. Promotes logical thinking
  4. It reduces the risk of dementia.
  5. It alleviates anxiety.
  6. It alleviates depression.
  7. It is a potent anti-inflammatory.
  8. It can improve mental health disorders
  9. Low levels can be used as a premature marker for Alzheimers.
  10. Improves energy mentally and physically
  11. Protects the brain!
  12. Helps reverse PTSD in Traumatic Brain Injury patients
  13. Helps you sleep at night

Before Prednisone was developed, Pregnenolone was used as an anti-inflammatory for asthma, chrons disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

I will guarantee, you now know 100% more than your physicians!
Ask your MD what pregnenolone is and what it does sometime. I would be interested in hearing what they say.

Have an awesome day!  And take your pregnenolone if your levels are low or low normal!

Dr. D