Long COVID News: The Hormone Pregnenolone Potentially Could Help In Certain Long COVID Manifestations
Long COVID News - Pregnenolone Mar 26, 2023 1 year, 7 months, 3 weeks, 6 days, 2 hours, 44 minutes ago
Long COVID News: Thailand Medical News strongly advocates that more research is conducted with regards to supplementation with the hormone pregnenolone to help with certain Long COVID manifestations as we strongly feel that it can help with fatigue, cognitive issues and many other symptoms seen in Long COVID.
Long COVID, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), has emerged as a significant public health concern. While the majority of COVID-19 patients recover in a few weeks, a substantial number of individuals continue to experience symptoms that persist for months after the initial infection.
Long COVID is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain, which significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. In recent studies, pregnenolone, a naturally occurring steroid hormone, has shown promising results in alleviating Long COVID symptoms.
What is Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone (P5), or pregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one, is an endogenous steroid and precursor/metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of most of the steroid hormones, including the progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the body, primarily in the adrenal glands and the brain. In addition, pregnenolone is biologically active in its own right, acting as a neurosteroid.
Pregnenolone plays an essential role in regulating stress responses, mood, and cognitive functions.
In addition to its role as a natural hormone, pregnenolone has been used as a medication and supplement for its neuroprotective properties, to enhance myelinization, to help improve cognitive and memory function. In addition, they may have protective effects against schizophrenia.
Research has shown that pregnenolone has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, making it an intriguing candidate for the treatment of Long COVID.
Various studies have already showed that the adrenal glands where pregnenolone is produced is also affected by the SARS-Cov-2 virus both directly and indirectly.
One study conducted by American and Israeli researchers last year showed that a nutraceutical compound with pregnenolone as its main key ingredient along with β-caryophyllene helped the improvement of various symptoms in Long COVID individuals.
This article will explore the potential benefits of pregnenolone in managing Long COVID.
Potential Benefits of Pregnenolone for Long COVID
-Neuroprotective Effects
Brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, and memory issues are common symptoms of Long COVID. Pregnenolone's neuroprotective properties may help mitigate these symptoms by promoting the synthesis of neurosteroids, which are essential for maintaining brain health and function. These neurosteroids support neuronal growth, plasticity, and survival, and help regulate neu
rotransmitter systems. By enhancing cognitive function and reducing neuroinflammation, pregnenolone may alleviate brain fog and memory issues in Long COVID patients.
-Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects
Long COVID is thought to be partly driven by an exaggerated immune response and persistent inflammation. Pregnenolone's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties could help address these issues by dampening the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and supporting immune system balance. By reducing inflammation, pregnenolone may help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches in individuals with Long COVID.
-Mitochondrial Function Support
Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouses responsible for generating energy. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to Long COVID symptoms, particularly fatigue. Pregnenolone has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function by increasing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell. Improved mitochondrial function may help reduce fatigue and increase energy levels in Long COVID patients.
-Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Long COVID patients often experience heightened stress and anxiety due to persistent symptoms and uncertainty about their recovery. Pregnenolone's role in regulating the stress response may provide relief for these individuals. By modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, pregnenolone helps maintain a healthy stress response and balance cortisol levels, which can mitigate stress-related symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Conclusion
While further research is needed to fully understand the potential of pregnenolone as a treatment for Long COVID, initial studies and its biological properties show promise. The hormone's neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and stress-reducing effects may work synergistically to alleviate a range of Long COVID symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, and anxiety.
As the scientific community continues to explore the complexities of Long COVID, it is crucial to consider safe and effective treatment options to improve the quality of life for those affected. Pregnenolone, with its multifaceted therapeutic potential, could be a valuable addition to the growing arsenal of treatments for this challenging condition. However, before considering pregnenolone supplementation, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, as individual circumstances and potential interactions with other medications need to be assessed.
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