Pregnenolone and Neurosteroids
109 associated posts. These are attributed summaries; original text remains at the linked X post and in the local archive.
- @lowmegatron · 2025-10-02 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying that in the 1930s thyroid removal raised blood cholesterol and thyroid supplementation lowered it. He says thyroid promotes conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone and progesterone. The embedded metabolicwave post is a Ray Peat clip on the cholesterol-lowering effect of thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-16 original
The author states that blocking the glucocorticoid receptor lowers glucose and insulin in obese, diabetic mice, and that receptor activation raises free fatty acids. They list interventions said to help lower cortisol. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a suggestion that coffee's anti-diabetic effect involves inhibiting 11β-HSD1.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-10-18 original
The author claims hypothyroidism, including 'hidden' hypothyroidism with normal TSH and T4, lowers testosterone and raises prolactin in men. They say underfeeding and overtraining can downregulate T3. They describe mechanisms involving TRH, prolactin, GnRH, LH and STAR protein. The embedded lowmegatron post says stress causes hidden hypothyroidism that blood tests often miss.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-05 original
The author claims pregnenolone increases deep sleep, which is essential for testosterone production in men. The post quotes study excerpts on 1 mg oral pregnenolone increasing slow wave sleep and on lower morning salivary testosterone when deep sleep was suppressed. The embedded post quotes a paper reporting decreased stage 3 and 4 sleep in hypothyroidism, possibly increased by desiccated thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-10 original
The post quotes Ray Peat on pregnenolone, progesterone, vitamin D and calcium for concussion after-effects. It pairs this with a quoted abstract of a progesterone trial in acute severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) reporting better neurologic outcomes versus placebo.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-11 original
The post asks whether anyone uses cyproheptadine for insomnia and quotes Ray Peat saying it works extremely well at a much smaller dose than usually recommended (1 mg or less), while 4 mg sometimes makes people goofy the next day. The embedded lowmegatron post claims 1 mg pregnenolone increased slow-wave sleep and that deep sleep supports testosterone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
Author states that pregnenolone lowers stress and reduces alcohol cravings at 300-500 mg/day and quotes a trial abstract (PMID 36445398) reporting reduced stress- and cue-induced craving in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The quoted post shares a Ray Peat quote linking alcohol cravings to hypothyroidism and high serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
The author asks whether vitamin A deficiency severe enough to cause dandruff and acne could also cause anxiety. They cite a Ray Peat quote that it could, because vitamin A is needed to make pregnenolone and progesterone. A bracketed note, apparently the author's own, says retinoic acid upregulates StAR, and that without enough StAR cholesterol delivery and pregnenolone synthesis fall.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-17 original
The author quotes Ray Peat saying that with insufficient cholesterol the high postpartum progesterone is unlikely to be maintained, and that pro-inflammatory effects of serotonin and estrogen then predominate, causing depression, joint pain, anxiety and brain edema. The author adds that postpartum depression drugs (brexanolone, zuranolone) relate to allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite. They also lay out the cholesterol-to-allopregnanolone pathway and note its dependence on T3 and vitamin A. They cite a postpartum cholesterol and mood study (PMID 8845727). The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a thyroid study on T3, TSH and depression (PMID 9971866).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The post quotes Ray Peat saying T3 is the best thing for controlling serotonin's effects and criticizing serotonin as a 'happy hormone' consensus view. The embedded lowmegatron post argues that low cholesterol postpartum may contribute to depression, and that allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, is used for postpartum depression and can be raised by progesterone or pregnenolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-18 original
The post claims pregnenolone helps with alcohol cravings partly by inhibiting TLR4. It supports this with a Haidut quote about naltrexone, a university statement on a mouse study of (+)-naltrexone and drinking, and excerpts on neurosteroids suppressing TLR signaling. The embedded lowmegatron post quotes a placebo-controlled human study of pregnenolone at 300 mg/day and 500 mg/day in alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author recommends a paper and quotes press coverage of a review arguing that more serotonin, not less, is released in depressive episodes. The quoted coverage says SSRIs may interfere with the brain's recovery mechanisms. The embedded post says any SSRI benefit may be a reaction against serotonin that raises neurosteroids.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author asserts depression is largely a brain energy problem and quotes text saying most studies found no reduced serotonin activity in depression and that tryptophan depletion does not reliably lower mood. The embedded post says high serotonin is a likelier cause of depression and anxiety, and that SSRI benefits may work through allopregnanolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-20 original
Author states that progesterone and allopregnanolone reduce learned helplessness, an animal model analogous to depression, and that learned helplessness is characterized by increased brain serotonin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
Author lists conditions said to be caused by bacterial endotoxin entering the bloodstream in leaky gut, then lists nutrients, drugs, foods and lifestyle factors said to reduce endotoxin or its inflammatory effects. The embedded post claims pregnenolone curbs alcohol cravings partly through TLR4 inhibition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-21 original
The post author says endotoxin raises cortisol and that chronically elevated cortisol can cause low testosterone, weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and depression. They quote a human endotoxin-administration study reporting dose-related rises in inflammatory markers, cortisol and norepinephrine. The embedded quoted post from lowmegatron says blocking the glucocorticoid receptor lowers glucose and insulin in obese diabetic mice. It also lists many things it says help lower cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-22 original
Author describes a case report of a woman whose manic symptoms after gastrectomy for obesity reportedly resolved within two weeks on 1 g/day activated charcoal, with a quoted mechanism proposing a brain–gut axis. The embedded lowmegatron post claims bacterial endotoxin from leaky gut causes many conditions and lists interventions said to help with endotoxin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
Ray Peat, quoted by the author, suggests pregnenolone avoids the risk of DHEA converting to estrogen when thyroid function is low. He says a small amount of Armour thyroid could quickly lower cholesterol and probably help testosterone, and recommends shellfish, low-fat fish, eggs, liver, cooked potatoes with butter or cream, fruit and cooked greens for nutrients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
The post says thyroid hormone (T4) replacement roughly doubled free and total testosterone and halved prolactin in hypothyroid men. It quotes the study's conclusion that primary hypothyroidism can cause reversible hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. The author adds that the men were still far from optimal and that more progress was possible. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) gives a Ray Peat quote on low testosterone and high cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-23 original
The post shares a Ray Peat quote saying topical testosterone is safe if diet and thyroid function are good, but that pregnenolone and then DHEA should be tried first to normalize testosterone production. The embedded quoted post is the earlier subclinical hypothyroidism post by lowmegatron.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-25 original
The author claims much mental illness begins in the gut because bacterial endotoxin poisons mitochondria and leaky gut lets more endotoxin into circulation. They quote a systematic review and meta-analysis on gut dysbiosis markers in severe mental illness and chronic fatigue. They then list nutrients, foods and other factors they say reduce endotoxin or endotoxin-driven inflammation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-27 original
The post asks whether supplements can safely raise serum androgens in men if diet is good, and answers with a Ray Peat quote. Peat says pregnenolone has favorable effects. He also says thyroid or aspirin can improve the androgen-to-cortisol/estrogen ratio, and that low-dose DHEA can help if thyroid function is good. An embedded post by lowmegatron links subclinical hypothyroidism to low testosterone and ED in men.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-29 original
The post claims rosacea and other skin conditions are often due to gut events, citing a Ray Peat quote on bacterial endotoxin and a case report of rosacea remission after reduced bowel transit time. The embedded quoted post (lowmegatron) lists conditions attributed to endotoxin from leaky gut and a long list of substances said to help with endotoxin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-11-30 own thread
lowmegatron lists factors he claims help control endotoxin. These include optimizing T3, coffee (including decaf), a low omega-6 diet, vitamin C, aspirin, fixing sleep and circadian disorganization, activated charcoal, naringenin, benfotiamine, glycine, aged cascara sagrada, cooked mushrooms, progesterone, pregnenolone and zinc.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-01 original
The author says endotoxin lowers testosterone by impairing cellular energy production, quoting mouse and Leydig cell mitochondria research. The embedded lowmegatron post says endotoxin raises cortisol and cites human study data.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-03 original
Author claims hypothyroidism lowers testosterone, shrinks testicles and causes male infertility. Author backs this with quotes from Ray Peat and Broda Otto Barnes, rodent experiments (PTU-induced hypothyroidism, rdw rats with thyroxine treatment), a Nigerian cross-sectional study of infertile men, and a prospective controlled study on sperm morphology. The embedded quoted post claims TSH/T4 and even T3 tests are limited and that T3-activating cells matter.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-11 original
The post quotes Ray Peat on accumulated unstable fats making endotoxin exposure more inflammatory and stressing the lipid-rich brain with age. The embedded quote, from lowmegatron, lists conditions attributed to endotoxin from leaky gut and a long list of nutrients, drugs and habits said to help.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-12 original
Author describes brexanolone, an IV allopregnanolone treatment for postpartum depression costing $30-40,000, and notes allopregnanolone is downstream of pregnenolone and progesterone. The post quotes Ray Peat on progesterone's conversion to allopregnanolone and mood effects. It also quotes a paper (PMID 32250509) hypothesizing that oral progesterone could raise allopregnanolone and relieve postpartum depression at far lower cost, with further studies needed.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-16 original
The author compiles Ray Peat quotes and cited excerpts arguing that hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone activity can drive anxiety through raised adrenaline and histamine. The post says T3 added to T4 therapy improved anxiety, depression and quality of life, and that some foods, thyroid or pregnenolone may help. An embedded post by lowmegatron repeats the same thyroid, stress-hormone and histamine claims.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2025-12-30 original
The post quotes Ray Peat's anecdotes that progesterone or pregnenolone revived old horses and dogs. The author adds that these hormones lower CRH/ACTH, that excess cortisol accelerates aging, and that photos show a dog treated for Cushing's syndrome. The embedded post (lowmegatron) discusses thyroid hormone, lactate and CO2, and rodent data on transcutaneous CO2 against human tumor xenografts.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-04 original
The author claims estrogen increases cocaine use and progesterone decreases it. The support is a quoted review abstract (rat literature) on 17β-estradiol, progesterone and allopregnanolone in cocaine-related behaviours. A Ray Peat quotation also describes estrogen as excitatory, progesterone as calming, and T3 and progesterone as mutually reinforcing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-09 original
Salamanders regenerate limbs while adult frogs do not; electrical polarity difference tracks this capacity. Progesterone-loaded silk hydrogel device applied for 24 hours to frog amputation site initiates blastema formation and regeneration, suggesting reactivation of intrinsic regenerative ability. Two PMIDs cited with extensive mechanism details.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-12 original
The author claims low thyroid hormone can lower androgens, neurosteroids and other steroids derived from pregnenolone, such as DHT, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and allopregnanolone. He says T3 regulates StAR, which shuttles cholesterol into mitochondria. The quoted context claims hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone with raised prolactin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-27 original
Knowledge claim on prednisone-induced diabetes mechanism and Ray Peat commentary on excessive replacement dosing; embedded post on pregnenolone for stress and alcohol craving reduction.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-27 original
Knowledge claim on vitamin A's role in neurosteroid production for mood and mental health; Ray Peat quotation on vitamin A activation of steroid-forming enzymes; connection to allopregnanolone pathway.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-28 original
Ray Peat quoted on T3 effects on aromatase inhibition and testosterone efficacy in men. Claims T3 lowers aromatase; elevated aromatase from stress lowers testosterone and increases estrogen. Discusses how T3, aspirin, pregnenolone, or progesterone inhibit aromatase and improve testosterone effectiveness.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-01-31 original
Ray Peat explains pregnenolone synthesis requirements and the relationship between cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin A delivery to mitochondria, and stress hormone balance; pregnenolone insufficiency leads to cortisol overproduction and unopposed estrogen effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-05 original
Comparative effectiveness claim: honey and coffee reduced cough scores more than prednisone in a study. Includes detailed dosing description and reposted Ray Peat comment on prednisone-induced diabetes via supraphysiologic dosing.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-11 original
Quoted Ray Peat claims that diet and hormones interact; magnesium uptake requires adequate vitamin D and T3; T3 production requires selenium and sugar; pregnenolone and progesterone support T3 effects; cyproheptadine blocks stress mediators from hormonal-nutritional deficiencies; excess phosphate relative to calcium and magnesium creates tension.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-12 original
The author explains 5α-reductase-2 deficiency, in which testosterone is made but conversion to DHT is impaired, leading to atypical genital development and sparse facial and body hair. He says it is usually genetic but can also be caused by hypothyroidism. He cites a report of children with severe untreated hypothyroidism whose urine steroid patterns mimicked the deficiency and reversed completely on thyroid replacement. The quoted conclusion urges excluding hypothyroidism in DSD workups.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Discussion of allopregnanolone (brexanolone) rapid therapeutic effects in postpartum depression; defines clinical assessment scales (HAMD, EPDS, GAD-7, PHQ-9); cites proof-of-concept study showing symptom reduction; includes embedded discussion of allopregnanolone's role in stress-related mood disorders.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-13 original
Pregnenolone reduces depression in bipolar disorder by increasing allopregnanolone levels; study shows improvement on HRSD and IDS-SR depression rating scales.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-15 original
T3, aspirin, and pregnenolone or progesterone inhibit aromatase and enhance testosterone effectiveness; mechanism involves reducing estrogen excess from stress-induced aromatase elevation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Explanation of allopregnanolone's role in depression treatment, how SSRIs increase it, its FDA-approved medication form (Brexanolone), and how bioidentical progesterone and pregnenolone increase allopregnanolone; includes mechanism of action via GABA receptors and embedded Ray Peat quote on stress hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-02-16 original
Ray Peat passage discussing polyunsaturated fat toxicity in high-fat diet using Eskimo diet example; explains mechanism of thyroid hormone promotion in traditional Eskimo diet through consumption of organ meats (thyroid gland, brain) containing cholesterol and steroid hormone precursors; contrasts with negative effects of polyunsaturated fat on thyroid function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-06 original
Ray Peat quotation describes high metabolic rate in young people converting cholesterol into pregnenolone, DHEA, and progesterone to maintain low blood cholesterol; age-related decline in metabolic rate increases cholesterol as a regulatory process supporting synthesis of protective neurosteroids. Embedded post cites clinical evidence that thyroid is the only thing safely lowering cholesterol and that thyroid dysfunction impacts lipid profiles.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-11 original
Ray Peat quote proposing that optimizing energy production factors (red light, saturated fats, pregnenolone) to match childhood metabolic states could restore regenerative and healing abilities including possible indefinite brain growth.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-16 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone's role in regulating adrenaline, serotonin, and estrogen; discusses methylene blue as electron-carrier substitute for thyroid hormone in treating depression and dementia; embeds lowmegatron post linking hypothyroidism to dementia risk, especially in patients on thyroid medication.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-25 own thread
The post text is only links. Its quoted post by lowmegatron lists claimed ways to address endotoxin, including cascara sagrada, minocycline, aspirin, cocoa, coffee, DHEA, ginger, glycine, sleep, naringenin, orange juice, pregnenolone, progesterone, probiotics, sugar, taurine, several vitamins, mushrooms and zinc, and notes PUFA-rich high-fat diets may raise endotoxin.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-27 original
Ray Peat quoted on metabolic rate decline with aging and cholesterol increase as a regulatory process supporting neurosteroid synthesis.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-30 original
Brexanolone is an IV drug for postpartum depression delivering allopregnanolone at $30-40,000 cost. Allopregnanolone is downstream of pregnenolone and progesterone. Embedded post suggests 300 mg pregnenolone as alternative treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-03-31 original
Ray Peat quoted on T4 effectiveness as antithyroid substance, thyroid's role in pregnenolone production, and cholesterol requirements. Embedded post discusses neurosteroids, pregnenolone and progesterone for memory and anxiety via intranasal administration.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-03 original
Author makes accusatory comment about 'fake natty pregnenolone abuser' in response to embedded quote from timpjohansson reporting facial changes from 350g daily sugar intake and Mediterranean diet move. No substantive health claim.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-06 original
Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone and vitamin A roles in converting cholesterol to pregnenolone, steroid hormone synthesis, and compensatory cholesterol mechanisms during stress-induced thyroid suppression.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-08 original
Pregnenolone and progesterone act quickly against water retention. Estrogen increases lung water content impairing oxygen transfer (animal studies). High estrogen-to-progesterone ratio occurs in malnourished, low-thyroid, or stressed individuals. Progesterone supplementation can rapidly improve water balance and breathing within an hour.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-09 original
Ray Peat advises against topical application of fat-soluble vitamins or steroid hormones to testicles, citing risk to gonadal lipid environment. Recommends arms or legs as alternative application sites for DHEA, pregnenolone, and progesterone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-10 original
Author reports using 16,000 IU retinol for slightly elevated T3 (7.7, normal cutoff 7.0) and felt better within hours. Explains mechanistically how T3 and vitamin A support neurosteroid production, linking neurosteroids to mood via GABA_A receptor modulation. Cites historical case series of vitamin A treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-15 original
Bacterial endotoxin (LPS) lowers both TSH and thyroid hormones, creating misleading thyroid test results. Multiple dietary and supplemental compounds may reduce endotoxin burden or its effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-16 original
Quoted account: author tested retinol (vitamin A) at 16,000 IU for slightly elevated T3 (7.7, cutoff 7.0) and reported subjective neurosteroid-like benefits. Ray Peat quote explains antagonism between vitamin A and thyroid hormone, supported by historical and contemporary research.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-17 original
Randomized controlled trial found 300 mg bioidentical progesterone at bedtime for 12 weeks significantly increased free T4 in postmenopausal women without thyroid disease. Ray Peat's mechanism: estrogen inhibits thyroid hormone secretion while progesterone promotes release. No significant changes in T3 or TSH. Progesterone also effectively reduced hot flushes and night sweats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-21 original
Shares Ray Peat quotation on hormonal recovery through essential nutrient-rich foods (eggs, orange juice, oysters, liver) or pleasurable foods (milkshakes, ice cream at bedtime) and thyroid or pregnenolone supplementation after intense stress. Embedded quoted post contains Ray Peat quote on salty snacks and ice cream for sleep improvement, plus author's personal bedtime snack recipe (honeydew, yogurt, ice cream, salt).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 original
Ray Peat anecdote on pregnenolone and progesterone improving mobility in aging animals; both hormones lower CRH and ACTH which trigger cortisol excess. Photos show before-and-after of dog with Cushing's syndrome illustrating cortisol's aging effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-23 own thread
Link-only post with media in a thread about a Ray Peat quote on progesterone and pregnenolone helping old animals. The parent context says the photos show a dog treated for Cushing's syndrome, and claims these hormones lower CRH and ACTH. That content is in the parent, not in this post.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Lita Lee quote on pregnenolone as major anti-aging steroid; claims adequate thyroid converts LDL cholesterol to pregnenolone which opposes cortisol toxicity, prevents panic attacks, and converts to progesterone/DHEA as needed. States pregnenolone increases mental focus and prevents cognitive decline. Embedded Ray Peat quote on pregnenolone and progesterone's rapid water-retention effects via estrogen opposition.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-24 original
Reports 1990s animal research finding pregnenolone several hundred times more potent than tested memory enhancers, with mechanism via transcription facilitation. Cites human studies showing pregnenolone improves memory and pregnenolone augmentation improves attention/working memory in schizophrenia patients. Embedded post on thyroid hormone correlation with memory in depressed patients, showing levothyroxine treatment resolved multiple symptoms including failing memory.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-25 original
Reports pregnenolone activates emotional regulation brain circuits, reducing negative-circuit activation linked to anxiety. Explains mechanism via conversion to allopregnanolone, noting allopregnanolone was prescribed for postpartum depression at ~40,000 USD (synthetic analog at 15,000+ USD), while pregnenolone costs dollars. Cites research using 400 mg oral pregnenolone dose. Attributes Ray Peat quote on thyroid hormone and vitamin A role in cholesterol-to-pregnenolone conversion. Recommends Balanced Body Mind (UK) and Raena (US) pregnenolone brands without disclosed affiliation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-04-27 original
TSH activates TLR4 endotoxin receptor, participating in inflammation and potentially insulin resistance via macrophage infiltration and inflammatory signaling. Quoted research suggests targeting TSH may have therapeutic benefits against metabolic disorders. Embedded post discusses pregnenolone's inhibition of TLR4 and its role in reducing alcohol cravings through immune pathway modulation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-07 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on pregnenolone's effects on cortisol and alcohol cravings, then presents a 2023 human study showing pregnenolone (300-500 mg/day) decreases stress- and alcohol cue-induced craving, reduces stress-induced anxiety, and normalizes HPA axis in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on thyroid hormone T3 decline with aging and impact on steroid hormone production (pregnenolone and progesterone); presents human study showing pregnenolone reduces stress-induced alcohol cravings.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-08 original
Synthesis of research on estradiol as risk factor and progesterone/allopregnanolone as treatment options for cocaine use disorder in women; Ray Peat commentary on hormone effects on brain excitation and mental function.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-16 original
Ray Peat quotation on optimizing energy production factors to achieve child-like regenerative capacity; embedded quoted post reports Joe Rogan's vision improvement with red light therapy and cites University College London study on red light effects on retinal cells.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-21 original
Wild carrot seed has anti-progesterone activity through inhibition of 3β-HSD enzyme, arresting estrus cycles and reducing ovarian steroidogenesis in mice; this effect is counteracted by sufficient progesterone. Two cited studies document these mechanisms and implantation delay in rats.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
DHEA increases 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity, which locally inactivates cortisol to cortisone at the tissue level, independent of blood cortisol levels. This reduces cortisol's receptor activation in tissues. Elevated tissue-level cortisol, even with normal blood levels, contributes to insulin resistance, visceral fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety, sleep impairment, immune suppression, poor wound healing, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, hormone dysregulation, and skin deterioration. Optimal DHEA dosing is 3-5 mg, 1-3 times daily. Higher doses become estrogenic; topical application combined with pregnenolone maximizes anti-cortisol effects while minimizing estrogen conversion. Coffee, aspirin, and vitamin D reduce activity of the related 11β-HSD1 enzyme.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-22 original
Sharing a Ray Peat quotation on thyroid hormone (T3) converting cholesterol into pregnenolone, progesterone, and DHEA, with embedded secondary post discussing the same mechanism and additional claims about pregnenolone anti-aging effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-05-25 original
Progesterone stabilizes mast cells by inhibiting histamine secretion, which may explain reduced inflammatory symptoms during pregnancy. Quotation cites rat peritoneal mast cell study showing progesterone inhibits histamine secretion triggered immunologically or by substance P.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Ray Peat quote on intestinal inflammation from infection and undigested starches causing endotoxin-driven insulin resistance; comprehensive list of dietary and supplement interventions claimed to reduce endotoxin and associated inflammation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-03 original
Ray Peat quote on thyroid hormones' role in regulating pregnenolone production through cholesterol metabolism, influenced by protein, vitamin A, and T3 availability. Author clarifies 'thyroid' means T3 and T4 with optimal T4-to-T3 conversion.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-24 original
Reports sex differences in cocaine use disorder related to female sex hormones; estradiol increases vulnerability while progesterone and allopregnanolone may reduce cocaine seeking; cites animal study on combination progesterone and atomoxetine treatment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-06-25 original
lowmegatron quotes Ray Peat on graying hair. Peat says he has seen DHEA correct it quickly, that melanin-producing enzymes need copper, and that shellfish is a good source of copper with less iron. The quote also recommends low DHEA doses and warns that excess DHEA may convert to estrogen or testosterone in people deficient in progesterone, pregnenolone or thyroid.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-05 own thread
lowmegatron quotes a passage claiming that natural steroids derived from pregnenolone, progesterone or DHEA help with water retention, edema and heart failure. The quote says this is because they antagonize aldosterone, which it claims causes inflammation and water retention.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
PUFA (polyunsaturated fat) accumulation progressively degrades liver protective functions; restoration requires carbohydrates and saturated fats plus depleted factors like pregnenolone and progesterone. Embedded quote compares butter vs soybean oil in alcoholic liver disease.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-10 original
Broda Barnes quoted on relationship between thyroid secretion and cholesterol levels, describing clinical observations that hyperthyroidism lowers cholesterol and proper thyroid dosing normalizes it. Embedded quoted post attributes Ray Peat quote on thyroid's role in pregnenolone production requiring adequate cholesterol, vitamin A, and protein.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-20 original
Topical progesterone cream (and pregnenolone) appear to improve skin quality, wrinkles, and produce facelift-like effects in some people but not others. Cited double-blind study shows all three skin elasticity parameters improved continuously in treatment group with no changes in control group, with clinical examination confirming improvements in aging parameters.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-20 original
Pregnenolone topical and oral application for anti-aging effects with mixed results. Ray Peat describes dramatic symptom resolution from pregnenolone during 1983 health crisis with multiple conditions (arterial inflammation, dental abscesses, asthma, migraines, colitis). Notes many pregnenolone products contaminated with estrogenic impurities; recommends BodyBalancedMind (UK) and mentions Raena as trusted brands.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-25 original
Repost of embedded quote from tradwifetoday reporting subjective appearance improvement ('de-aged three years in three weeks') after starting pregnenolone supplementation; attributes effect to hormones.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-07-27 original
Ray Peat quoted on high metabolic rate increasing vitamin A requirement due to pregnenolone and progesterone synthesis; clarification that preformed retinol/retinyl esters from animal foods are meant, not plant carotenes. Embedded post by lowmegatron discusses thyroid hormone imbalance effects on sebaceous glands and acne, cites studies on vitamin A and acne, quotes Peat on vitamin A-thyroid balance for acne management via hormone effects on skin cell turnover.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-02 original
Pregnenolone reduces brain regions associated with negative emotions via increased allopregnanolone. Bioidentical progesterone also boosts allopregnanolone. Intranasal administration improves memory (pregnenolone) and reduces anxiety (progesterone), though oral routes work. Author recommends Progest-E brand progesterone and BodyBalancedMind (UK) or Raena (US) brands for pregnenolone, cautioning that many brands contain estrogenic impurities causing negative effects. Embedded quoted post by Ray Peat describes pregnenolone's facial skin benefits and rapid symptom relief (inflammation, dental abscesses, asthma, migraines, colitis).
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-10 original
Pregnenolone may help reduce alcohol cravings and anxiety in alcohol use disorder. A Ray Peat anecdote describes an alcoholic man whose anxiety and depression lifted after taking pregnenolone, describing it as 'the feeling I've been trying to get from alcohol, but it never worked.' Alcohol's calming effects are mediated through pregnenolone, DHEA, allopregnanolone, and progesterone. A human study (2023) found pregnenolone (300–500 mg/day) reduces stress-induced and alcohol cue-induced craving and normalizes HPA axis function. Author recommends Balancedbodymind, Raena, and Forefront Health pregnenolone brands, cautioning that many brands produce bad effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-13 original
Ray Peat quotation reporting anecdotal animal cases where progesterone and pregnenolone administration restored health and mobility in aged horse and dogs with mobility impairment.
Source summary and thread relationship - @1immortals1 · 2026-08-16 original
Comprehensive explanation of pregnenolone as master neurosteroid hormone declining 1-2% yearly after age 25; describes mechanisms of cognitive and mood effects through GABA/NMDA receptor modulation, stress resilience via cortisol buffering, and practical supplementation guidance at 30-50mg sublingual daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-16 original
Ray Peat quote on bowel inflammation treatment including multiple interventions; followed by discussion of lidocaine gel for ulcerative colitis with multiple clinical study summaries showing rapid symptom relief, mucosal healing, and lymphocyte depletion with 83% response rate in larger trial.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-17 original
Author lists interventions claimed to decrease chronically elevated cortisol, including light exposure, dietary fats, micronutrients, supplements, and lifestyle factors. Quoted source discusses mold-induced stress lowering thyroid hormone T3 conversion and successful T3 supplementation in four patients previously unresponsive to levothyroxine.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-18 original
Author claims pregnenolone synthesis from cholesterol depends on thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism throttles this conversion, lowering sex hormones and increasing pain, depression, and anxiety. Cites study showing lower DHEA, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone sulfate in hypothyroid patients.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Pregnenolone increases deep sleep by converting to progesterone and allopregnanolone, exerting anti-cortisol and pro-GABA effects. Studies show pregnenolone increases slow-wave sleep, improves sleep efficiency, and reduces intermittent wakefulness. Progesterone restores normal sleep when disturbed without inhibiting deep sleep like hypnotic drugs. Achieving maximum plasma allopregnanolone requires 1,600 mg progesterone daily.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Ray Peat describes consuming 3,000-4,000 mg pregnenolone daily for a year while testing safety, observing only skin firming effects with no other side effects. A man in his sixties reportedly takes a teaspoon daily without adverse effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-19 original
Studies show pregnenolone does not elevate downstream cortisol even at 500 mg/day for 8 weeks. Pregnenolone increases slow-wave sleep and suppresses EEG sigma power without altering sleep-associated nocturnal cortisol or growth hormone secretion. Pregnenolone metabolizes mainly to allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate, not cortisol.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-21 original
Ray Peat quoted on pregnenolone quality control and expected effects; warns of contaminants from startup manufacturers and advises monitoring for hormonal side effects.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-22 original
Pregnenolone mechanism for reducing alcohol drinking in animals and stress-induced alcohol craving in humans: increases allopregnanolone (GABA modulator). Mechanism depends on T3 and cholesterol. Recommends three specific brands with sourcing caution due to impurity risks.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-23 original
Pregnenolone downregulates endotoxin-related inflammation through degradation of TIRAP, TLR2, and TLR4 signaling; allopregnanolone (downstream metabolite) shows similar effects in cell culture and animal brain models related to multiple conditions.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-26 original
Correcting hypothyroidism and basal metabolic rate allows patients to tolerate alcohol without ill effects. Dr. Broda Barnes observed that hypothyroid patients unable to drink alcohol due to poor tolerance and hangover could drink freely once thyroid function was corrected. The embedded quoted post discusses pregnenolone's effects on alcohol cravings, stress, and HPA axis in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-08-28 original
Thyroid hormone accelerates alcohol detoxification and affects neurosteroid production (pregnenolone, DHEA, progesterone, allopregnanolone), which mediate anxiety relief and intoxication effects. Hyperthyroidism markedly increases ethanol metabolism rate.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-02 original
Ray Peat quote: Thyroid tends to lower cholesterol by converting it into pregnenolone and other steroids. Embedded quote discusses pregnenolone's effects on skin aging and health; Ray Peat personal account of pregnenolone's dramatic symptom relief from inflammatory conditions and associated facial rejuvenation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Author warns against attributing negative effects to pregnenolone itself; cites Ray Peat quote attributing adverse reactions to product impurity decline since 2013. Embedded post by dannyroddy discusses pregnenolone quality degradation and suggests progesterone and DHEA alternatives.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Author quotes Ray Peat on factors supporting healthier pregnancies and postpartum outcomes, including sunlight, vitamin D, whole foods, thyroid function optimization, and specific hormones and anti-inflammatory medications.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Bioidentical progesterone reduces anxiety and increases pro-social and exploratory behaviors in mice via increased allopregnanolone (5α-reductase metabolite); synthetic progestin (MPA) does not produce this effect because it does not serve as substrate for 5α-reductase. Neurosteroid effects may be relevant to sex differences in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Embedded post discusses thyroid hormone's role in alcohol detoxification and neurosteroid production.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-07 original
Ray Peat quote and embedded post on allopregnanolone as downstream mechanism of progesterone's mood, seizure and psychosis effects; pregnenolone supplementation (400 mg) proposed to increase allopregnanolone and activate emotion regulation circuits; specific supplement brands mentioned without claimed affiliation.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-09 original
Hypothyroidism lowers pregnenolone and downstream steroid hormones (DHEA, testosterone, estrogen) with implications for mood, mental illness, reproduction, libido, dementia risk, substance abuse, aging, appearance, and muscle mass. StAR protein shuttles cholesterol into mitochondria to make pregnenolone; thyroid hormone T3 regulates StAR. Study shows serum ADIOLS, ADIOL, DHEAS, DHEA, and pregnenolone sulfate are decreased in hypothyroidism. Embedded quoted account lists hormones derived from pregnenolone.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-10 original
Hypothyroidism leads to estrogen dominance partly through suppressed progesterone and pregnenolone. Thyroidectomy in animals causes progesterone and pregnenolone levels to drop due to reduced mitochondrial respiration needed for pregnenolone synthesis. Deficiency of active T3 thyroid hormone is the mechanism. Low basal temperature may indicate low T3 despite normal thyroid blood markers.
Source summary and thread relationship - @lowmegatron · 2026-09-12 original
Skin-to-skin contact halves cortisol in NICU preterm infants while increasing melatonin, providing strong evidence that contact ameliorates NICU-related stress. Embedded quote from Ray Peat on healthier pregnancy factors including sunlight, nutrition, thyroid optimization, and hormonal support.
Source summary and thread relationship