DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone, is one of the most common circulating steroid hormones in the human body, which is also a precursor to the human sex hormones. Pregnenolone is a natural steroid prohormone excreted by the brain that is a precursor of vital steroid hormones like progesterone, DHEA, human sex hormones, and cortisol.

What is DHEA?

Definition:

DHEA which is the short form of dehydroepiandrosterone, is one of the most common circulating steroid hormones in the human body, that is also a precursor to the human sex hormones.

Production:

DHEA is released by adrenal glands and it later is broken down to produce the male and female sex hormones namely testosterone and estrogen. Synthetic DHEA is derived from foods like yam and soy however eating these food sources will not cause any rise in the DHEA levels in the human body.

Molecular formula:

DHEA has a molecular formula of C19H28O2.

Importance:

DHEA supplements help reduce a multitude of body issues such as aging, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, and psychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. DHEA levels are known to dampen the inflammation in disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. DHEA is important to treat premature ovarian failure, adrenal insufficiency, HIV, coronary heart disease, and cancer. 

Side effects:

DHEA decreases high-density lipoprotein levels which is the healthy cholesterol. It also causes skin problems like oily skin and hirsutism and increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and various cancers like prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers.

What is pregnenolone?

Definition:

Pregnenolone is a natural steroid pro-hormone excreted by the brain, adrenal gland and gonads that is a precursor of vital steroid hormones like progesterone, DHEA, human sex hormones, and cortisol.

Production:

Pregnenolone is synthesized naturally in the human body in the brain, adrenal tissue, and gonads from cholesterol molecules. Exogenous pregnenolone comes in the form of pregnenolone dietary supplements.

Molecular formula:

Pregnenolone has a molecular formula of C₂₁H₃₂O_2.

Importance:

Pregnenolone is a vital pro-hormone. It helps promote better memory and learning, aids in enhancing cognitive function, reduces depressive episodes, and tames down the symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, the pro-hormone is used to treat several health conditions; these include Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue, hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, infertility, multiple sclerosis, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, scleroderma, and psoriasis.

Side effects:

Side effects of using pregnenolone supplements include insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbance, mood fluctuations, hirsutism, headache, cataract, glaucoma, hyperglycemia, poor wound healing, and hypertension.

Difference between DHEA and pregnenolone

Definition:

DHEA which is the short form of dehydroepiandrosterone, is one of the most common circulating steroid hormones in the human body, that is also a precursor to the human sex hormones. Pregnenolone is a natural steroid pro-hormone excreted by the brain, adrenal gland and gonads that is a precursor of vital steroid hormones like progesterone, DHEA, human sex hormones, and cortisol.

Production:

DHEA is released by adrenal glands and it later is broken down to produce the male and female sex hormones namely testosterone and estrogen. Synthetic DHEA is derived from foods like yam and soy however eating these food sources will not cause any rise in the DHEA levels in the human body. Pregnenolone is synthesized naturally in the human body in the brain, adrenal tissue, and gonads from cholesterol molecules. Exogenous pregnenolone comes in the form of pregnenolone dietary supplements.

Molecular formula:

DHEA has a molecular formula of C₁₉H₂₈O_2. Pregnenolone has a molecular formula of C₂₁H₃₂O_2.

Importance:

DHEA supplements help reduce a multitude of body issues such as aging, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, and psychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. DHEA levels are known to dampen the inflammation in disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. DHEA is important to treat premature ovarian failure, adrenal insufficiency, HIV, coronary heart disease, and cancer.

Pregnenolone is a vital pro-hormone. It helps promote better memory and learning, aids in enhancing cognitive function, reduces depressive episodes, and tames down the symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, the pro-hormone is used to treat several health conditions; these include Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue, hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, infertility, multiple sclerosis, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, scleroderma, and psoriasis.

Side effects:

DHEA decreases high-density lipoprotein levels which is the healthy cholesterol. It also causes skin problems like oily skin and hirsutism and increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and various cancers like prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. Side effects of using pregnenolone supplements include insomnia, gastrointestinal disturbance, mood fluctuations, hirsutism, headache, cataract, glaucoma, hyperglycemia, poor wound healing, and hypertension.

Table of differences between DHEA and pregnenolone

FAQs

Are pregnenolone and DHEA the same thing?

No, these are two different hormones with different functions.

Should I take pregnenolone and DHEA together?

It is advised to take pregnenolone separately from DHEA or a reduced amount of DHEA with pregnenolone.

Why take DHEA and pregnenolone?

These two hormones are the building block for estrogen and testosterone. Also because of their various benefits, it is advised to take supplements of DHEA and pregnenolone.

What is pregnenolone used for?

Pregnenolone is the precursor of vital steroid hormones like progesterone, DHEA, human sex hormones, and cortisol.

Is it better to take pregnenolone or DHEA?

The benefits of DHEA are well-researched and known. Pregnenolone has fewer proven benefits therefore it is better to take DHEA.

Does pregnenolone cause weight gain?

No, pregnenolone causes weight loss.

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