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Hormones

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is the precursor to progesterone, estrogen, and other hormones vital to women's health. Monitoring this "mother hormone" can provide foundational insight into your overall hormonal production capacity.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Female
nmol/L
Low 0.9 Normal 6.3 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of pregnenolone in your blood. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol primarily in the adrenal glands and serves as the foundational building block for the production of all steroid hormones in the body.

Why It Matters

For women, pregnenolone availability may directly influence progesterone and estrogen production, which affect cycle regularity, fertility, mood, and menopause symptoms. Understanding this upstream marker can support comprehensive hormonal care.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, chronic fatigue, cognitive changes, or suspected adrenal dysfunction. Your healthcare provider can determine whether pregnenolone testing is appropriate for your situation.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low pregnenolone may experience fatigue, poor memory, low mood, joint stiffness, or reduced stress tolerance. Low levels may also be associated with downstream deficiencies in other steroid hormones.

High Levels

Elevated pregnenolone levels are relatively uncommon and may sometimes be associated with adrenal overactivity or certain enzyme deficiencies. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation if levels are above the reference range.

Lifestyle Tips

Stress management, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet with healthy fats may support pregnenolone production. Chronic stress can divert pregnenolone toward cortisol production at the expense of other hormones. Consult your healthcare provider before considering any supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pregnenolone called the "mother hormone"?
Pregnenolone is the first hormone produced from cholesterol and serves as the precursor for all other steroid hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and testosterone.
Can stress affect pregnenolone levels?
Yes, chronic stress may cause the body to prioritize cortisol production from pregnenolone, potentially reducing the availability for other hormones. This is sometimes called the "pregnenolone steal."
Does pregnenolone decline with age?
Pregnenolone production typically decreases with age. This natural decline may contribute to reductions in downstream hormones and is sometimes associated with age-related changes in energy and cognition.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test Complete (Women)

Everything in the IVF panel plus full thyroid, preconception nutrients, progesterone and CMV immunity.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Progesterone Vitamin D (25-OH) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh TPO Antibodies CMV IgG Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count
€495,-
Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test (Women)

Complete female IVF intake panel: ovarian reserve, thyroid, infectious screening, immunity serology, blood group and CBC.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count
€425,-

Pregnenolone

€130,-