Pregnenolone, Mass Spectrometry (Endocrine Sciences)

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and gonads; it serves as a precursor to other hormones like DHEA, progesterone, and cortisol. This test measures pregnenolone levels to assess adrenal function and hormone balance.

When elevated: Elevated pregnenolone may indicate adrenal hyperactivity, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), or certain adrenal tumors. It can also reflect increased stress or stimulation of the adrenal glands. When low: Low pregnenolone may suggest adrenal insufficiency, chronic stress with adrenal fatigue, or reduced production of steroid hormones. It can also occur with aging or certain medications that suppress adrenal function.

Pregnenolone is a foundational steroid hormone that influences recovery, immune function, and stress resilience during heavy training. Athletes under sustained training stress may show altered pregnenolone levels; monitoring it can help assess whether adrenal capacity is keeping pace with training demands and whether recovery strategies are adequate.