Pregnenolone Test

The Pregnenolone Test test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .

Brief Description: The Pregnenolone test is a laboratory test that measures the level of pregnenolone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in the blood. Pregnenolone serves as a precursor to several other hormones, including progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone. It plays a vital role in the synthesis of various hormones in the body.

Also Known As: Pregnenolone Blood Test

Testing Method: Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Collection Method: Blood Draw 
Specimen: 0.5 mL Frozen Serum 

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Pregnenolone test ordered?

A Pregnenolone test may be ordered in the following situations:

1. Evaluation of Adrenal Function: The test may be ordered to assess adrenal gland function and evaluate hormone production in cases of suspected adrenal insufficiency or adrenal hyperplasia.

2. Diagnosis of Hormonal Imbalances: Pregnenolone levels can help identify hormonal imbalances, such as deficiencies or excesses of other hormones derived from pregnenolone, such as progesterone or cortisol.

3. Investigation of Menstrual Irregularities: In women experiencing menstrual irregularities or fertility issues, a Pregnenolone test can be part of a comprehensive hormone panel to evaluate hormonal status and identify potential underlying causes.

What does a Pregnenolone blood test check for?

Pregnenolone is a molecule that serves as a precursor to all steroid hormones. This test detects rare forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia by measuring the amount of pregnenolone in the blood.

CAH is a set of hereditary illnesses characterized by enzyme defects in the steroid hormone synthesis process. CAH can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

The most frequent cause of CAH is a 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Deficiency of 11-beta-hydroxylase

Two rare manifestations of the condition are 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficits.

Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone in the adrenal glands for regular steroid hormone production, and subsequently many enzymes finish the creation of several hormones, including:

Cortisol is a hormone that aids in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as maintaining blood pressure and immune system regulation.

Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure and volume by keeping normal levels of sodium and potassium in the circulation.

The growth and upkeep of male and female secondary sexual characteristics are regulated by steroid hormones known as androgens, or "male hormones," such as testosterone, and estrogens, or "female hormones," such as estrogen and progesterone.

One or more enzymes are defective or malfunctioning in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, resulting in insufficient levels of one or more end products. The adrenal gland grows in size as the level of a pituitary hormone that encourages adrenal growth and hormone production rises due to a low cortisol level. The increased size and activity, however, are insufficient to overcome the cortisol production bottleneck. Other compounds will be created in excess that do not require the faulty enzyme.

The enzyme deficit in CAH can result in a drop in cortisol and/or aldosterone, as well as an increase or decrease in androgens in rare situations. Androgen deficiency can result in male neonates having external sex organs that aren't unmistakably male or female, as well as affecting the development of secondary sexual characteristics in both males and females during puberty.

Laboratory testing can assess pregnenolone, various intermediate precursors, and one or more steroid hormones to determine which enzyme is inadequate or malfunctioning, based on which products have been created and how much.

If both 21- and 11-hydroxylase defects have been ruled out, pregnenolone analyses, as well as testing for other precursors, may be utilized to assist determine if the patient has 3-beta-hydrosteroid dehydrogenase or 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficit.

Lab tests often ordered with Pregnenolone test:

• When a Pregnenolone test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of hormonal balance and adrenal function. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

• Cortisol:

  • Purpose: Measures cortisol levels, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
  • Why Is It Ordered: Since pregnenolone can be converted into cortisol, assessing cortisol levels can help understand adrenal function and stress response.

• DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) Test:

  • Purpose: Measures the level of DHEA-S, a hormone also produced by the adrenal glands.
  • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate adrenal gland function and the balance of hormones that are precursors to sex hormones.

• ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Test:

  • Purpose: Measures the level of ACTH, a pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands.
  • Why Is It Ordered: To help determine whether abnormal hormone levels are due to a problem with the adrenal glands or with the pituitary gland.

• Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone):

  • Purpose: To measure levels of primary sex hormones.
  • Why Is It Ordered: Since pregnenolone is a precursor to these hormones, testing can help evaluate overall hormonal balance and reproductive health.

• 17-Hydroxyprogesterone:

  • Purpose: To measure the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a precursor to cortisol.
  • Why Is It Ordered: To assess adrenal gland function and to help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone):

  • Purpose: To evaluate the function of the ovaries in women and testes in men.
  • Why Is It Ordered: To assess the reproductive system, as LH and FSH stimulate the production of sex hormones from the ovaries and testes.

• Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4):

  • Purpose: To assess thyroid function.
  • Why Is It Ordered: Thyroid hormones can influence overall hormonal balance and metabolism.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):

  • Purpose: To provide a general overview of health.
  • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate overall health status and detect any underlying issues that might be influencing hormonal balance.

• These tests, when ordered alongside a Pregnenolone test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual's hormonal status, adrenal function, and overall health. They are critical in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring conditions related to hormonal imbalances, adrenal disorders, and reproductive health. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and reasons for testing.

Conditions where a Pregnenolone test is recommended:

A Pregnenolone test may be required in the following conditions or situations:

1. Adrenal Dysfunction: Suspected adrenal insufficiency, adrenal hyperplasia, or other adrenal gland disorders may necessitate a Pregnenolone test to assess adrenal function and hormone production.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: Symptoms or conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, or symptoms suggestive of hormone deficiencies or excesses, may prompt the need for a Pregnenolone test.

How does my health care provider use a Pregnenolone test?

Health care providers use the results of a Pregnenolone test to:

1. Evaluate Adrenal Function: Abnormal pregnenolone levels can indicate adrenal gland dysfunction, guiding further evaluation and management.

2. Assess Hormonal Imbalances: Pregnenolone levels provide insights into the production of hormones derived from pregnenolone, such as progesterone or cortisol. Abnormal levels may help identify hormonal imbalances and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

It's important to note that the interpretation of Pregnenolone test results should be done by qualified health care providers in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical evaluation, medical history, and other relevant factors. The results of the test are best understood within the broader context of the individual's specific circumstances and medical condition.

What do my pregnenolone test results mean?

In general, if an enzyme deficit occurs somewhere in the steroid hormone synthesis process, pregnenolone levels will rise mildly to significantly. The extent of the rise is determined on the enzyme deficiency and the severity of the deficiency. Pregnenolone results must be read in conjunction with those of other precursors and hormones.

Pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and DHEA are frequently high in 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase insufficiency, and 17-OHP may also be elevated. Cortisol and aldosterone levels are likely to be low if they are measured.

Pregnenolone and progesterone, as well as 11-deoxycorticosterone, may be high in 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. Other hormones and precursors, if measured, could be low, including:

• 17-OHP
• 17-hydroxypregnenolone
• 11-deoxycortisol
• DHEA-S
• Androstenedione
• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• Estrogens
• Aldosterone

Most Common Questions About the Pregnenolone test:

Understanding the Pregnenolone Test

What is the Pregnenolone test?

The Pregnenolone test is a blood test that measures the level of pregnenolone in your blood. Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone synthesized from cholesterol primarily in your adrenal glands, but also in your liver, brain, testicles, and ovaries. It serves as a precursor for the production of several other hormones including cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and aldosterone.

Why would a Pregnenolone test be conducted?

A Pregnenolone test might be conducted to evaluate adrenal function and to diagnose conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or certain types of tumors.

Interpreting Pregnenolone Test Results

What do high levels of Pregnenolone mean?

Elevated levels of pregnenolone may suggest adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It might also indicate a reaction to high levels of chronic stress.

What do low levels of Pregnenolone indicate?

Low levels of pregnenolone could suggest adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease. It might also be related to chronic fatigue syndrome, or conditions such as hypopituitarism or hypothyroidism.

What are normal ranges for the Pregnenolone test?

Normal levels of pregnenolone can vary depending on the individual's age, sex, and the specific laboratory that analyzes the test. Generally, normal values may range between 10-200 ng/dL. Your doctor will provide a more accurate range based on your individual circumstances.

Pregnenolone Test and Adrenal Disorders

How can the Pregnenolone test be helpful in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency?

In adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, including pregnenolone. Low pregnenolone levels in conjunction with other tests can help diagnose adrenal insufficiency.

How is the Pregnenolone test used in relation to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)?

In CAH, a genetic disorder, the body lacks one of the enzymes needed to produce hormones in the adrenal glands. This often leads to an overproduction of pregnenolone, so a Pregnenolone test can be useful in diagnosing CAH.

Pregnenolone Test and Other Conditions

Can the Pregnenolone test be useful in diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Yes, in some cases of PCOS, there may be an overproduction of pregnenolone. A Pregnenolone test, along with other tests, may help to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS.

Can a Pregnenolone test indicate issues related to aging?

Some studies suggest that pregnenolone levels decline with age. Therefore, low levels might be observed in older adults, though more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between aging and pregnenolone levels.

Pregnenolone Test and Treatment Monitoring

How is the Pregnenolone test used to monitor treatment in individuals with adrenal disorders?

For individuals undergoing treatment for adrenal disorders, a Pregnenolone test may be used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust medication dosages as necessary.

How often should the Pregnenolone test be performed in someone receiving treatment for adrenal disorders?

The frequency of testing will depend on the individual's specific circumstances and the doctor's judgement. It could range from every few months to once a year.

Pregnenolone Test and Other Tests

What other tests might be performed alongside the Pregnenolone test?

Other tests that may be performed include tests for adrenal hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, as well as tests for sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

How does the Pregnenolone test relate to a DHEA-S test?

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is another adrenal hormone, and like pregnenolone, can be used to evaluate adrenal function. It may be measured alongside pregnenolone for a more comprehensive view of adrenal health.

General Queries

Are there any medications that can interfere with the Pregnenolone test results?

Yes, various medications such as corticosteroids, estrogen-containing medications, and certain antifungal drugs can affect the results of the pregnenolone test.

Can pregnancy affect the results of the Pregnenolone test?

Pregnancy can potentially increase pregnenolone levels, as the hormone is involved in the production of progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy.

Can stress affect the results of a Pregnenolone test?

Yes, as pregnenolone is a precursor to the stress hormone cortisol, high levels of stress could potentially increase pregnenolone levels.

Can illness affect the results of the Pregnenolone test?

Serious or chronic illness can potentially impact pregnenolone levels, as it may affect the functioning of the adrenal glands.

How does sleep or time of day affect the results of a Pregnenolone test?

Circadian rhythms can influence the production of many hormones, including pregnenolone. Your doctor may specify a certain time of day to take the test for more accurate results.

What does it mean if my Pregnenolone test results are normal, but I still have symptoms of a hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal balance is complex and involves many different hormones. If you have symptoms but your pregnenolone levels are normal, your doctor may recommend testing other hormones or looking into other potential causes of your symptoms.

Can diet or lifestyle factors affect the results of a Pregnenolone test?

Diet and lifestyle can affect overall hormone balance. While there's limited research on how these factors specifically impact pregnenolone levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for hormonal balance in general.

Can the Pregnenolone test help detect issues with my menstrual cycle?

Pregnenolone is a precursor to sex hormones, so abnormal levels might be associated with menstrual irregularities. However, other tests would typically be conducted to diagnose issues related to menstrual health.

Can the Pregnenolone test be used in conjunction with genetic testing?

In certain cases, such as suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a Pregnenolone test could be used in conjunction with genetic testing to confirm a diagnosis.

What is the relationship between the Pregnenolone test and testosterone levels in the body?

Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone for testosterone. Therefore, abnormally high or low levels of pregnenolone could potentially affect testosterone levels.

Can a Pregnenolone test be performed on a newborn?

Yes, pregnenolone testing can be done on newborns if there is a suspicion of a congenital adrenal disorder. The test can provide early diagnosis and help in managing the condition appropriately.

Can the Pregnenolone test help in detecting fertility issues?

Since pregnenolone is a precursor hormone for both male and female sex hormones, abnormal levels could potentially indicate issues related to fertility. However, other tests would usually be conducted to diagnose fertility issues.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.