The studied capsule
Oral capsules (often micronized)
The form used in most research, and it absorbs more predictably.
Good for: Everyday use
What variations of pregnenolone exist?
A hormone the body makes from cholesterol and turns into other hormones, including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Research on supplements is limited and mixed. It comes in 4 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Easy to take: the under-the-tongue one (Sublingual drops or tablets)
Every form, in plain words
The studied capsule
Oral capsules (often micronized)
The form used in most research, and it absorbs more predictably.
Good for: Everyday use
The under-the-tongue one
Sublingual drops or tablets
Absorbed under your tongue. Less studied than capsules.
Good for: Easy to take
Usually skip
- The rub-on one (Topical creams)How much gets through the skin varies a lot and is hard to measure.
- Not actually pregnenolone ('Natural pregnenolone' from wild yam)Your body can't turn wild yam into pregnenolone.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Oral capsules' on the label (the studied capsule)
Watch out for
- Wild yam listed as a source of pregnenolone
- Adrenal, memory, or 'hormone balance' blends that include pregnenolone without stating how much
- Starting it without baseline hormone testing
Check with your provider first if…
- You have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You take hormone therapy, birth control, DHEA, or steroid medicine (it can raise other hormones)
- You have PCOS or high male-type hormones (it may raise testosterone)
- Signs of too much, such as acne, hair changes, irritability, trouble sleeping, or changes in your cycle
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.