Pregnenolone: A Practical Guide

Nutritional therapy has a place in maintaining and regaining health but it is up to the individual to research and apply the information that has become available in this field over the last few decades. In many situations natural therapies could be combined with or used in the place of allopathic medicines. Pregnenolone is a natural hormone which when taken as a supplement, may be converted to DHEA that in turn may be transformed into androgens, estrogens and other natural steroids, or it may turn into progesterone. Hormones have a wide array of effects on organs, tissues and cells. Their proper use may be very beneficial. In the body, pregnenolone is manufactured from cholesterol in the mitochondria (chemical factories) of the cell. Supplemental pregnenolone is made from the compound diosgenin found in the wild yam (Dioscorea species). As in the case of the other natural hormones Melatonin & DHEA, the body's production of pregnenolone declines with age. In the Acknowledgments section, Sahelian thanks those researchers and clinicians who have assisted him or shared information. They include the author Dharma Singh Khalsa. The first chapter is devoted to a description of Dr Sahelian own experience with this promising substance, one that was quite salutary with a heightened sense of well-being and in particular enhanced auditory and visual perception. Sahelian refers to a variety of research finding indicating that this hormone plays a positive role in thinking, memory, mood, stress reduction, counteracting arthritic conditions, stimulates the immune system and has an anti-aging effect. Other studies reveal beneficial effects in Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, nerve injuries and seizures to mention a few. Chapter 9 discusses the correct dosage for various age groups and the next looks at lab tests to determine existing levels of hormones. Chapter 11 the author considers possible side effects and drug interactions, whilst the Summary recapitulates the most important points. Appendix A looks at the question whether pregnenolone should be available over the counter or only on prescription, Appendix B provides anecdotal information from users, including physicians and Appendix C is a case history presented in co-operation with Dr Karlis Ullis. There is a Glossary and a bibliography of articles from scientific journals and books. The book concludes with an index. I recommend as a brief but informative introduction to this natural hormone and the benefits that may be derived from its use as a supplement.