PREGNENOLONE LAB TEST

Description

WHAT IS A PREGNENOLONE LAB TEST FOR?

The Pregnenolone Test measures the level of pregnenolone in your blood.

AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST?

No.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A PREGNENOLONE LAB TEST?

$201.00

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

DESCRIPTION:

Pregnenolone has been described as a “mother hormone” because it is a precursor to many critical steroid hormones in our bodies including progesterone, DHEA, corticosteroids, estrogens and androgens (male hormones such as testosterone).   Recent research has shown that pregnenolone can be valuable as an alternative treatment for improving memory and alertness, while reducing stress, depression and fatigue.  Although the current research is inconclusive there are also claims that the hormone helps to prevent cancer, obesity, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome and menopause.  Pregnenolone levels decline more than 60% as we age.

Chemically modified or synthetic pregnenolone supplements are taken to counteract some of the typical signs of aging such as those listed above and increase the levels of DHEA and other steroid hormones, including testosterone, in the body.  High levels can cause adverse side effects such as aggression, irritability, insomnia, and the growth of body or facial hair in women.   Pregnant women should not take pregnenolone.

High pregnenolone levels may be caused by an inherited condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).  CAH causes a deficiency or dysfunction in the enzymes required to convert pregnenolone into steroid hormones.  This can cause a deficiency of cortisol and an overabundance of male hormones or androgens.

WHY DO I NEED MY PREGNENOLONE LEVEL CHECKED?

Do you suspect that your child has Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or is puberty delayed?  Are you taking pregnenolone to improve your memory, reduce stress and improve your overall well being?

The pregnenolone test is often used in suspected cases of CAH for infants whose external sex organs are not clearly defined or for teens who do not develop secondary sexual characteristics or who has delayed puberty.  If there is an enzyme deficiency in the steroid hormone process the levels of pregnenolone may be elevated.  This can help to determine which enzyme is deficient or defective.

In addition to aggressiveness and the side effects listed above, pregnenolone may halt menstruation in women, cause acne, heart rhythm problems, liver problems, loss of scalp hair or oily skin.  Pregnenolone may also lower the levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol which could increase the risk of heart disease.  If you are experiencing unusual or unpleasant side effects, you should have your pregnenolone levels tested and your dosage potentially reduced.

TEST DETAILS:

Normal Range:

Adult
Males (18-58 Years)	13-208 ng/dL
Premenopausal Females (18-51 Years)	7-188 ng/dL
Postmenopausal Females (59-81 Years)	13-111 ng/dL
Pediatric
1 Day-59 Days	12-1331 ng/dL
60 Days-1 Year	≤170 ng/dL
2-6 Years	≤107 ng/dL
7-9 Years	≤114 ng/dL
10-12 Years	≤163 ng/dL
13-17 Years	≤325 ng/dL

 

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE?

You should see your primary care physician or an endocrinologist.