Injection
Estradiol Cypionate
Long-acting estradiol injection for menopause and perimenopause symptoms and for gender-affirming hormone therapy, given every one to two weeks. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
Starting at $139/mo
AdrenalMemoryCognitive support
Pregnenolone Capsules
RxPrescription onlyTaken by mouth · Once a day · 25 mg · Adrenal · Memory · Cognitive support
Starting at $69/mo
Bioidentical pregnenolone, the top of the adrenal cascade, for cognitive support and adrenal function. Take once daily. Research-stage cognitive benefits emerging.
How many capsules per month?
MonthlyEvery 3 months
30 capsulesper month
You'll receive 30 capsules per month. $89 billed monthly. Cancel anytime.
Real prices from our pharmacy. Longer plans cost less per month and are billed up front. Pause or cancel anytime.
- Bioidentical pregnenolone
- Top of the adrenal cascade
- Studied for memory and cognition
Every plan includes
- Personalized, physician-guided plan
- 30 capsules per month, monthly and 3-month
- Dispensed by a US-licensed compounding pharmacy
- Unlimited protocol adjustments and messaging
- Ongoing support and check-ins
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Reviewed by our in-house physicians
- Physician-guided care
- Ongoing, expert support
- 100% online
- Free, discreet shipping
What is pregnenolone?
(pregnenolone)
Pregnenolone is the first hormone your body makes from cholesterol in your adrenal glands. It is a precursor to DHEA, progesterone, and ultimately testosterone and estrogen. Pregnenolone is studied for memory, cognitive function, and stress resilience. Some research suggests it may support mental clarity, particularly in aging.
- How it is taken
- Taken by mouth
- How often
- Once a day
- Dose range
- 25 mg
- Form
- Adrenal · Memory · Cognitive support
Top precursor
the first adrenal hormone, parent to DHEA and progesterone
Take 25-100 mg daily in the morning, as prescribed. Your physician may check pregnenolone levels to confirm dosing.
How it works,
week by week.
Day 1
A US-licensed physician reviews your energy, mood, and adrenal function goals, and discusses which adrenal hormone fits your needs.
Week 1
Start your adrenal hormone in the morning. Most people do not feel immediate effects, this is about rebuilding your adrenal reserve over time.
Weeks 2-4
Some patients notice improved energy or mood. Others take 6-8 weeks to notice change. Your physician monitors your response.
Month 2-3
Check-in. Your physician reviews energy, mood, sleep quality, and any androgenic side effects (acne, hirsutism). Adjust dose if needed.
Beyond
Continue your adrenal hormone as long as it helps. Your physician reassesses every 3-6 months and discusses long-term use.
What you may notice,
and when.
Improved energy
many report steadier, deeper energy within weeks
Better mood and resilience
adrenal support often lifts mood and stress response
Enhanced vitality
supporting the adrenal cascade restores overall vigor
Adrenal backup
these hormones support your body's stress response system
Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
Safety first:
what to know before you start.
Important safety information and common side effects
DHEA, pregnenolone, and 7-Keto DHEA are prescription hormones that support adrenal function. Common effects include acne, facial hair in women (hirsutism from DHEA and pregnenolone), mood changes, insomnia if dosed too high or taken late in the day, and mild headache. DHEA and pregnenolone can convert to testosterone and estrogen, so they carry similar hormonal risks. 7-Keto DHEA does not convert to sex hormones and is generally well-tolerated. None are prescribed with hormone-sensitive cancers, and women taking DHEA or pregnenolone who can become pregnant must use reliable contraception. Tell your physician if you experience severe mood changes, severe acne, or significant sleep disruption.
The research behind
pregnenolone.
Pregnenolone is the precursor from which the body makes other steroid hormones. Human evidence is very thin: one small trial in schizophrenia, and no modern controlled trial in healthy adults.
- Schizophrenia pilotNegative symptoms improved
A 2009 pilot placebo-controlled trial added pregnenolone for 8 weeks to people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Of 21 randomized, 18 completed at least 4 weeks. Negative symptoms improved more than with placebo; cognitive composite scores did not differ significantly between groups.
Marx et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2009 - Healthy adultsNo modern trials
We found no modern controlled trial in healthy adults that shows a memory or cognition benefit. The published human work in healthy people is old or small, and we could not verify a primary report of it, so the gap is stated rather than filled.
No primary report verified; the 2009 trial above is the only controlled human trial found - Animal dataAnimal data only
Rodent studies show that low pregnenolone sulfate in the hippocampus accompanies poor memory in aged rats, and that replacing it can improve performance. Animal results do not reliably carry over to people.
Vallee et al., PNAS 1997 (PMC61162)
What the studies found
- In a small schizophrenia pilot, negative symptoms improved more than on placebo (Marx, Neuropsychopharmacology 2009)
- Animal only: rodents with low brain pregnenolone sulfate performed worse on memory tasks, and replacing it improved performance (Vallee, PNAS 1997)
- Unproven in people: cognitive benefit in healthy adults has no modern controlled trial
Pregnenolone is not FDA-approved. The capsules sold here, compounded or supplement, have no trial in the uses people usually buy them for. Compounded versions were not studied.
What this does not say
- No human trial shows a memory or cognition benefit in healthy adults.
- The only controlled human trial is in schizophrenia, with 21 randomized people.
- Long-term safety is unknown.
The research
behind it.
Pregnenolone levels decline with age. Animal models show pregnenolone supports memory and learning. Human studies are limited but growing, particularly for age-related cognitive decline.
Common side effects include mild dizziness, agitation if dosed too high, or insomnia if taken late in the day. Rare serious effects. Take in the morning. Not prescribed with hormone-sensitive cancers.
Hormone therapy beyond hot flashes:
what the research showsBones, the heart, vaginal health and sexual desire: the trials, with their numbers and their limits.Read the researchHormone therapy and breast cancer risk:
what the trials foundEstrogen alone and with progestin, why the two differ, and how physicians weigh it.Read the research
what the research showsBones, the heart, vaginal health and sexual desire: the trials, with their numbers and their limits.Read the researchHormone therapy and breast cancer risk:
what the trials foundEstrogen alone and with progestin, why the two differ, and how physicians weigh it.Read the research
Getting started
takes a few minutes.
- 1
Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.
- 2
Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.
- 3
Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.
Frequently asked questions
Contact supportHow do I take Pregnenolone Capsules?
Taken by mouth, once a day, in the morning. The starting prescription is 1 capsule (25 mg) each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
How much arrives in each shipment?
30 capsules at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
Is pregnenolone FDA-approved?
No. Pregnenolone is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is compounded off-label at your physician's discretion, typically for cognitive or adrenal support. Evidence in humans is limited compared to animal studies.
Do adrenal hormones give you energy immediately?
No. These are hormones your body slowly converts to other hormones and neurotransmitters. Effects develop gradually over weeks to months. Some people feel changes in energy and mood within 2-4 weeks; others take 8-12 weeks. Patience is essential.
Will I get acne on DHEA or pregnenolone?
Some people do, particularly at higher doses. This is because both can convert to testosterone, which stimulates oil production. If acne develops, tell your physician. You may lower the dose, switch to 7-Keto DHEA (which does not convert to sex hormones), or try a different form.
Can I use adrenal hormones long-term?
Yes, but your physician monitors you regularly. Adrenal hormones work best with good sleep, nutrition, and stress management. Your physician reassesses every 3-6 months to ensure long-term benefit and safety.
Pregnenolone educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MD Doctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
More options
in this area.
Capsule
7-Keto DHEA Capsules
7-Keto DHEA, a metabolite of DHEA that does not convert to testosterone or estrogen. Supports energy and metabolism without hormonal side effects.
30 capsules per month
Starting at $89/mo
Dissolving tablet
BIEST (20:80) 0.05 mg ODT
A low-dose bioidentical estrogen (20% estriol, 80% estradiol) in a tablet that dissolves in the mouth, for hot flashes, night sweats and other menopause symptoms. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
30 tablets per month
Starting at $99/mo
Dissolving tablet
BIEST (20:80) 0.1 mg ODT
A stronger dose of bioidentical estrogen (20% estriol, 80% estradiol) in a dissolving tablet, for menopause symptoms not controlled by the lower dose. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
30 tablets per month
Starting at $99/mo
References
- 1.DHEA replacement therapy: a comprehensive review. Semin Reprod Med, 2009
- 2.Pregnenolone: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in aging. Neurobiol Aging, 2014
Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.