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DHEA and Pregnenolone Steal

Meaning

The DHEA and Pregnenolone Steal, or the Pregnenolone Steal hypothesis, describes a theoretical metabolic shift where the body preferentially shunts the precursor hormone pregnenolone toward the synthesis of cortisol, often at the expense of other downstream steroid hormones like DHEA and sex hormones. This phenomenon is typically proposed to occur during periods of chronic, unmitigated physiological stress. The resulting hormonal imbalance can manifest as reduced vitality, impaired immune function, and low sex hormone levels.