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Cortisol-Progesterone Steal

Meaning

The Cortisol-Progesterone Steal, also referred to as the Pregnenolone Steal, is a theoretical model describing a metabolic phenomenon where increased physiological demand for cortisol diverts the common steroid precursor, pregnenolone, away from the synthesis of other critical hormones, notably progesterone. This concept suggests that chronic or severe stress, which mandates sustained cortisol production, can compromise the optimal synthesis of sex hormones. While a theoretical construct, it is frequently used in clinical wellness to explain potential hormonal imbalances in individuals experiencing prolonged stress.