Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain and serves as the master precursor to DHEA, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Levels decline with age and chronic stress and have been linked with cognition, memory, and mood. Low levels may indicate impaired steroidogenesis in adrenal dysfunction.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Named practitionertop third of range (165-237 ng/dL)Life Extension · Lab Testing Protocol (Suggested Optimal Ranges)Disclosure: Life Extension sells lab panels that appear in our blood-test comparisons.
- General guidance, no named sourceMid-referenceNo separate optimal established
- Lab reference interval10-200 ng/dLWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
Practitioner targets are individual positions, often tighter than guideline ranges. Each was checked against its article before publishing.
3 providers include this
Sex Hormones (Male)
Why Pregnenolone matters
Declines with age and chronic stress. Low levels associated with fatigue, memory problems, and decreased stress resilience. Precursor to DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen.
Which Providers Test Pregnenolone?
Function Health is both the cheapest ($365/year) and the most comprehensive (160+ biomarkers) panel that includes Pregnenolone.
3 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
18 itemized panels do not include Pregnenolone
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Blueprint · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard · Vitality Blueprint Elite · Ultrahuman Blood Vision Annual
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Pregnenolone. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Pregnenolone?
Named practitioners target: top third of range (165-237 ng/dL) (Life Extension). General guidance without a named source: Mid-reference (No separate optimal established). Lab reference interval: 10-200 ng/dL. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Pregnenolone?
3 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Pregnenolone in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence; HRV Zone tracks recovery trends.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 23, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025