Side Effects of Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a natural hormone people can buy as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Doctors theorize it may cause side effects associated with other hormones, especially at high doses, because the body uses pregnenolone to make estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. However, little research has been done in regard to pregnenolone side effects.
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Possible Side Effects
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Possible pregnenolone side effects include acne, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, irritability, menstrual changes and facial hair growth.
Heart Effects
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Physician Ray Sahelian states on his website that pregnenolone use has been linked to heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms.
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Scalp Hair Loss
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According to Sahelian, scalp hair loss is also possible if someone uses pregnenolone for long time frames, because it is eventually converted into testosterone and progesterone.
Cancer Considerations
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Because pregnenolone may increase estrogen or testosterone levels, men with prostate cancer or at risk of prostate cancer, and women with breast or ovarian cancer, should not take pregnenolone except under a doctor's supervision.
Seizures
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Theoretically, pregnenolone use could cause seizures in people with epilepsy or who are taking anti-seizure medications, because of its action on certain brain neurotransmitters.
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