question from a user
For your patients on TRT therapy do you also recommend and/or assist in the monitoring of other hormone levels, such as pregnenolone and DHEA, that may be impacted by the testosterone replacement? If so, what is the optimum ranges you like to see for Pregnenolone and DHEA-S?
AlphaMD's Answer
We don’t routinely test for neurosteroids unless a patient on TRT complains of cognitive issues. The prevailing wisdom is that all upstream hormones will decrease while on TRT, so it is always safe to assume that pregnenolone and DHEA-S will be low, or at least lower than when you started TRT.
The reason we don’t routine test for these hormones is primarily a financial decision. Labs demand payment for these tests, which are not cheap and never covered by insurance. While our partnership with national lab companies does provide a discount, it does not extend to these less common tests.
Lastly, considering both pregnenolone and DHEA-S are easily supplemented with cheap OTC oral meds, we usually will do a therapeutic trial if we suspect low neurosteroids.
TL;DR: Pregnenolone ($113-180) and DHEA-S ($49-140) tests are not cheap and not covered by insurance; pregnenolone ($17-35/90 tabs) and DHEA-S ($7-20/90 tabs) pills are dirt cheap, and it’s easier and cheaper to try the pills to see if you improve in 2 weeks on them.
Related Questions
Do you typically have your patients add Pregnenolone and/or DHEA to their protocol? And if so at what dose?...
No. Not typically. We do have some DHEA mixed into Testosterone from one vendor in particular, but that's a very low value more for compounding regulations than therapeutic expectations. Some men do t... See Full Answer
While TRT is great for testosterone levels, what are the wider impacts for health considering it suppresses other HPTA aspects? Examples: Pregnenolon...
Welcome to endocrinology, the most complex area of healthcare. https://metabolichealing.com/wp-content/uploads/Post-The-Endocrine-Journey-1.jpg Just so you know, this is a simplified version of the ... See Full Answer
Ready to get answers?
Ask your own question today.
Get $30 off your first month’s order
Enter your email address now to receive $30 off your first month’s cost, other discounts, and additional information about TRT.
Legal Disclaimer
This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information contained herein is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, phone or telemedicine call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Only a qualified physician in your state can determine if you qualify for and should undertake treatment.