Hormones
Pregnenolone
Unit: ng/dLID: H012
What This Test Measures
Mother of all steroid hormones; brain, memory, mood
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
10-200 ng/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
50-150 ng/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Pregnenolone is the precursor to ALL steroid hormones (cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone). Low pregnenolone = upstream hormone production issue. Supplementing pregnenolone can improve cognition, memory, mood, and downstream hormone production. Often low in aging and chronic stress.
When This Test Is High
Rarely too high
When This Test Is Low
Low steroid hormone production, adrenal dysfunction
Related Conditions
Cognitive decline, mood issues, low hormone production
Recommended Follow-Up
If low, consider pregnenolone supplementation; support adrenal health