Pregnenolone blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol, mainly in the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, and also in the brain. It sits at the very top of the steroid hormone pathway: the body converts it into progesterone, DHEA and, further down the line, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and oestradiol.

In NHS practice, pregnenolone is mostly measured by specialists investigating rare adrenal conditions, such as some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where an enzyme block causes certain hormones to build up. Outside that setting, it can add detail to a hormone review, but it is rarely meaningful on its own and is best read alongside other hormone results.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have symptoms such as low energy, low libido or cycle changes and are reviewing your hormones with a practitioner.
• You are taking, or considering, a pregnenolone supplement and want a baseline.
• Your specialist has asked for pregnenolone as part of an adrenal hormone assessment.
• You have had other hormone tests and would like to understand an earlier step in the pathway.
• You prefer a practitioner to explain how the different hormones connect.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your pregnenolone level alongside the laboratory reference range. Levels vary with age, time of day and, in women, the stage of the cycle. A raised level can be seen with supplement use or, rarely, with certain adrenal enzyme conditions, and a low level may reflect reduced adrenal or gonadal hormone production.

Because pregnenolone feeds into several hormones, results are read together with your symptoms and other tests such as cortisol and DHEA-S. An unusual result is a reason for discussion and possible referral through your GP, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not usually required, but we recommend a morning appointment, as many adrenal hormones are highest early in the day. If you have periods, tell us the day of your cycle. Please let us know about any hormone treatments, contraception, steroids or pregnenolone or DHEA supplements, and avoid biotin supplements for at least 48 hours beforehand, as biotin can interfere with some laboratory hormone tests.

Pregnenolone is often considered alongside cortisol and DHEA-S, which you can find on our cortisol blood test page. For a broader hormone review, see hormone health, or compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a pregnenolone test in Chiswick?

The Pregnenolone test is £299. It includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

What time of day should I have the test?

A morning appointment is recommended, as adrenal hormones follow a daily rhythm and morning samples are easier to compare.

Should I take pregnenolone supplements if my level is low?

Please do not start hormone supplements based on a single result. Talk to your GP or practitioner first, as pregnenolone can be converted into other hormones.

Is pregnenolone part of standard hormone tests?

No. It is a specialist marker and is usually added only when there is a specific reason.