Anxiety is a normal emotional and physical response to fear and stress. However, if you experience constant anxiety, you may be suffering from a clinical anxiety disorder. While a number of biological, social and psychological factors are thought to play a role in anxiety disorders, some research has found that low levels of the hormone pregnenolone can also have a significant impact.
About Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is one of the steroid hormones that acts a precursor to the synthesis of other hormones, such as progesterone, DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, corticosteroids, estrogens and androgens, according to the American Cancer Society. Lowered levels of pregnenolone can have an impact on psychiatric disorders like anxiety. It is sold as an over-the-counter supplement in tablet, capsule and topical cream form. While it is often promoted as an aid for improving memory and reducing stress and anxiety levels, there's only a limited amount of clinical evidence to support these claims.
Anxiety and Steroid Hormones
When you're confronted by a scary or stressful situation, it's normal to experience a certain level of anxiety. However, persistent feelings of anxiety are abnormal and can be caused or influenced by a number of factors. Some research has shown that low levels of steroid hormones like pregnenolone are found in patients suffering from anxiety. Pregnenolone is also known as a neurosteroid, because it is found in high concentrations in the brain. According to Pedro J. Chedrese in his book, "Reproductive Endocrinology," neurosteroids have an impact on mood, anxiety and adaptation to stress.
Clinical Evidence
A study published in 2002 in the international, peer-reviewed psychiatric journal, "Psychiatric Sciences," found lowered levels of pregnenolone in 12 unmedicated male study participants with social phobia, a type of social anxiety disorder, when compared to normal controls. Another study, published in the August 2001 issue of the "Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences," also found lowered levels of pregnenolone in patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. While there are virtually no studies confirming the benefits of pregnenolone administration in humans, a study on laboratory mice, published in July/August 1997 issue of the journal, "Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology," suggests that pregnenolone may have some impact on attenuating anxiety levels. However, more clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effects of pregnenolone on anxiety in human subjects.
Considerations
While pregnenolone may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders, there's no real evidence to support its benefits as a supplement for reducing anxiety. Inform your doctor if you choose to use a pregnenolone supplement. Do not use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor if you think you have an anxiety disorder.
References
- American Cancer Society: Pregnenolone
- "Reproductive Endocrinology"; Pedro J. Chedrese; 2009
- "Psychological Medicine"; Low Pregnenolone Sulphate Plasma Concentrations in Patients with Generalized Social Phobia; B. Heydari and J. M. Le Melledo; 2002
- "Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences"; Neuroactive Steroid Levels in Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder; T. Semeniuk, et al; August 2001
- "Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology"; Neurosteroid Coadministration Prevents Development of Tolerance and Augments Recovery from Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Anxiety and Hyperactivity in Mice; D. S Reddy, et al; July/August 2002
