Pregnenolone steal

Pregnenolone is a lipid that serves as a precursor to various steroid hormones, including cortisol. It is produced in the body through the conversion of sugar to cholesterol, which is then converted to pregnenolone with the help of thyroid and vitamin A 1.

In a healthy body, there is a balance between the production of pregnenolone and cortisol, with pregnenolone being produced in excess to inhibit stress and cortisol production 2. However, when the body is under stress or has been poisoned with unsaturated oils, heavy metals, or other toxins, the production of cortisol can increase, leading to a decrease in pregnenolone levels 1.

The concept of "pregnenolone steal" suggests that in individuals with worn-out adrenals, pregnenolone is "stolen" and converted into cortisol, leading to a deficiency of pregnenolone 3. However, Ray Peat argues that this concept is a mechanical way of thinking about physiology that ignores the importance of thyroid hormone, vitamin A, and cholesterol in supporting the formation of pregnenolone 2.

In fact, Peat suggests that the body should have a huge excess of pregnenolone and progesterone, with only small amounts of cortisol and other specialized hormones being produced 3. Pregnenolone has various beneficial effects, including helping tissues to give up excess water and allowing the fascia to regain normal tone 3.

The production of pregnenolone is tightly regulated, and taking supplements of progesterone or DHEA can help to normalize thyroid and progesterone production 5. Pregnenolone also has protective ("catatoxic") actions against a wide variety of poisons 5.

Inadequate production of pregnenolone can lead to an over-production of cortisol, while a deficiency of progesterone can lead to an unopposed effect of estrogen 6. When both thyroid and progesterone are deficient, even fat cells can synthesize estrogen 6.

Overall, pregnenolone plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of steroid hormones in the body, and its deficiency can have significant consequences for overall health 6.