What is the Pregnenolone test?

The Pregnenolone blood test measures pregnenolone, a steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands and brain. Pregnenolone is often referred to as the “mother hormone” because it is the precursor to many other hormones, including cortisol, progesterone, DHEA, oestrogen, and testosterone.

Pregnenolone plays a central role in adrenal hormone pathways and neurological function. Because it sits at the top of the steroid hormone cascade, imbalances can affect multiple downstream hormones.

This test is commonly used as part of a broader hormonal or adrenal assessment when symptoms suggest dysregulation of stress hormones or steroid production.

Why do I need a test for Pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone imbalance can contribute to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms due to its role in hormone synthesis and brain function. Testing helps identify whether hormone production pathways are functioning optimally.

It is particularly useful in people with chronic stress, fatigue, cognitive symptoms, or unexplained hormonal imbalance where standard hormone tests appear normal.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Chronic fatigue or low energy

• Brain fog or poor concentration

• Memory difficulties

• Low stress tolerance

• Hormonal imbalance symptoms

• Adrenal dysfunction concerns

• Mood changes or low motivation

• Poor recovery from stress or illness

Benefits of the Pregnenolone test

1. Assesses adrenal hormone precursor activity
   Provides insight into the starting point of steroid hormone production.

2. Supports adrenal function evaluation
   Useful in chronic stress and adrenal dysregulation assessment.

3. Explains multi-hormonal imbalance patterns
   Low pregnenolone can affect several downstream hormones.

4. Supports cognitive and neurological assessment
   Pregnenolone plays a role in brain function and memory.

5. Useful in chronic fatigue investigation
   Helps identify hormonal contributors to persistent fatigue.

6. Complements cortisol and DHEA testing
   Adds context to adrenal hormone profiles.

7. Supports personalised hormone optimisation
   Guides targeted lifestyle or clinical follow-up.

8. Provides early insight into hormone pathway disruption
   Detects upstream imbalance before secondary hormones are affected.

Step-by-step – how we offer Pregnenolone testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• A qualified clinician or phlebotomist collects your blood sample

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Pregnenolone results explained

Low pregnenolone levels

Low levels may indicate reduced adrenal steroid production or preferential hormone pathway diversion, often seen in chronic stress states. This can result in fatigue, poor stress resilience, and downstream hormone deficiencies.

Low pregnenolone may affect cortisol, sex hormones, and cognitive function.

UK reference range:

• Low: <0.5 ng/mL

Normal pregnenolone levels

Normal levels suggest appropriate adrenal hormone precursor production and balanced steroid synthesis. This indicates healthy upstream hormone regulation.

Symptoms may still occur if downstream hormone conversion is impaired.

UK reference range:

• Normal: 0.5–2.0 ng/mL

High pregnenolone levels

Elevated pregnenolone levels may occur with supplementation, adrenal overactivity, or altered hormone metabolism. High levels can sometimes be associated with agitation, sleep disturbance, or hormonal imbalance.

Results should be interpreted in clinical context.

UK reference range:

• High: >2.0 ng/mL