When’s the last time you discovered a supplement or wellness product with surprising benefits? For Dr. Shoma Datta-Thomas, an MD at Modern Age, working with a patient experiencing brain fog led her to rediscover pregnenolone — a powerful steroid hormone that Dr. Datta-Thomas describes as a multitasker in the hormone world and a cheerleader for your brain. Although extensive clinical studies are still underway, pregnenolone is a hormone to know if you’re looking to improve your cognitive function.

What is pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone, and a precursor to hormones including progesterone, DHEA, and estrogen. Our bodies produce it from stores of cholesterol throughout our body, including the brain and adrenal glands. As a precursor, it’s necessary for balanced hormone production, but it can also impact other bodily functions. Like many of our body’s hormones, it decreases with age.

How does pregnenolone work?

Pregnenolone works to protect against inflammation in the nervous system, and according to Dr. Datta-Thomas, acts as a neurosteroid in the brain. When pregnenolone levels are in check, the hormone enhances the production of myelin, a fatty layer that insulates nerves in the brain and improves their function. Properly functioning myelin allows for the formation of new synapses in the brain and acts as a neuroprotector. Low levels of pregnenolone are associated with brain fog and more serious neuroinflammatory diseases, including Alzheimers. 

What symptoms can pregnenolone alleviate?

Pregnenolone’s ability to improve neurotransmission and decrease inflammation makes it a key player in improving a variety of symptoms related to cognitive function, including brain fog and memory issues. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help with mood swings. 

Low levels of Pregnenolone can also impact MT-associated proteins (MAPs), which have been linked to major depressive order. In one small-scale study of 11 patients with bipolar depression, participants taking pregnenolone had decreased MAP levels and self-reported positive changes in their depressive symptoms.

Should you take pregnenolone for brain fog?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of brain fog, including poor memory, decreased mental clarity, or even mood swings, pregnenolone should be on your radar. And unlike other hormonal supplements, pregnenolone is available over the counter as a once daily supplement. Unsure if pregnenolone is right for you? Our signature Aging Wellness Assessment can get to the root cause of brain fog, with a series of holistic assessments including a blood draw and cognitive function test. You’ll go over your results with a licensed clinician, who will work with you to create a customized plan for treating symptoms of cognitive decline.