Pregnenolone is basically a steroid. The body uses pregnenolone to make other steroidal hormones, such as testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, corticosteroids and androgens. It's also used as a precursor to both estrogen and progesterone, which may suggest that this supplement could improve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Evidence, however, is lacking for this use --- even though some proponents of pregnenolone claim otherwise.
PMS
The cause of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, isn't well understood, but it's thought to be at least partly due to hormonal fluctuations. As estrogen and progesterone levels change during menstruation, you may begin to experience headaches, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, abdominal bloating and breast tenderness, among other symptoms. So, it stands to reason that regulating hormone levels would serve to lessen these symptoms.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is said to keep your hormones at "normal" levels --- or at least this is what some proponents of its use assert. Little evidence, however, exists to support such a claim. In fact, so little is known of its effects from long-term use that the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Health Sciences warns against using pregnenolone entirely. The only known effect it has on the body is decreasing the effect of Valium and those medications that belong to the same drug classification.
Warning
The safety of pregnenolone is unknown. Some potential side effects of its use include irritability, aggressiveness, sleep disruptions and the growth of facial hair in women. Studies have also indicated that this steroid stimulates hormone-responsive cancers, such as cancer of the breast, warns the American Cancer Society. The possible connection between pregnenolone and some cancers makes using it to treat PMS problematic even if it did prove beneficial. Always talk to your doctor before using this or any other supplement to improve symptoms of PMS.
Recommendations
Instead of using something that is questionable in its effects on the body, work with a doctor on a treatment plan to improve your symptoms. Most medical professionals can offer recommendations for the most appropriate form of treatment to lessen PMS. A number of over-the-counter and prescription medications are beneficial for many women, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, diuretics and even oral contraceptives. You may also see an improvement in your symptoms by changing your diet. Decreasing your intake of sodium, caffeine and alcohol while increasing your intake of calcium and complex carbs have helped some women. Others have found benefit in increasing their levels of physical activity. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio most days of the week.
