Improved Memory, Increased Energy; the positive effects of Pregnenolone.
Are you having problems with your memory?
Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue?
Are you anxious or even mildly depressed at times?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be deficient in a valuable, naturally occurring hormone called Pregnenolone.
Pregnenolone is synthesised from cholesterol within the body and has a number of important functions involving memory and maintenance of our physical and mental health. (1) (2) (3)
As we age, our own natural production of Pregnenolone declines (2) and a multitude of ageing symptoms may arise from this deficiency. For instance, Pregnenolone deficiency may significantly affect memory and cognitive function; mental processes of perception, memory, judgment and reasoning.
Pregnenolone also has anti-inflammatory properties and lowers cholesterol. In one study involving patients receiving hormone replacement with Pregnenolone a significant drop in their cholesterol was noted. In fact when hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone and Pregnenolone are at optimal levels, the body’s tendency to manufacture excess cholesterol may be normalised. (9)
A French study revealed that an infusion of Pregnenolone into the brains of both young and older rats increased the growth of new nerves within their brains and improved their cognitive function and recognition of a familiar environment. (5) (6). This is because Pregnenolone elevates acetyl choline levels – a critical neurotransmitter that enables brain cells to communicate effectively with each other (4) (6). It also helps to regulate GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid), another important neurotransmitter involved in healthy brain function (5). GABA acts as a ‘balancer’ for the brain, helping balance excitation with inhibition. By inhibiting or enhancing activity of GABA receptors Pregnenolone modulates nervous system function.
Research on airline pilots who complained of stress related fatigue and poor performance noted enhanced cognitive performance and general wellbeing after taking 50mg of Pregnenolone daily (7). Clinical trials have also demonstrated enhanced feelings of wellbeing in many depressed individuals taking supplemental Pregnenolone(10), and that the blood levels of Pregnenolone in people suffering from depression or in those with a past history of depression are significantly lower than in non-sufferers.
So why supplement Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone may help to prevent or ease many of the effects of aging and for many people promotes improved memory, increased energy levels and elevated mood. Supplementation with natural Pregnenolone is available and in many people proves to be very effective in alleviating the troublesome symptoms of aging.
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