pregnenanole and DHEA testing help

[Saso1]

Hi everyone,

I need some help and input regarding some upcoming blood work I'm having done and can't seem to find any info anywhere. I've previously tested low to very low on the following: total & free test., pregnenalone, DHEA, Vit D & B12. My Preg. levels were 6 13-208 ng/dL

I have been supplementing the following routine for approx. 2 months:

• Pregnenalone - 50mg per day
• DHEA - 25mg per day
• Vit D3 - 2000iu per day
• B12 2000 mcg per day

During this time I have also been eating clean and strength training and have lost about 10lbs. I'm going back in next week for another round of thorough blood work to see how my levels are in terms of what I've been supplementing and also to see if it has had any effects on my Test. levels.

My question is this...How do I prepare for the blood test in terms of taking the supplements beforehand. I read with Vit D I should stop 3 days prior to testing to determine where my natural levels now are. Is this also the case with the Preg and DHEA? I don't know if I should stop taking it to see how my natural levels have adjusted or if I should take it normally the day before testing to see what levels are in my blood due to and while on the supplementation. (I won't take it the morning of the test because I am to be fasting)

Your input is greatly appreciated as I'm doing most of this on my own since my doctors are seemingly incompetent in this area of medicine.

[2Sox]

I don't change my supplementation timing before blood work. I just skip supplements the day of the test. Then I go home and supplement.

My dosing based on my blood work results:
Vit D: 5000iu/day
Pregnenolone: 50mg 2x day
DHEA: 50MG 5x week
B-12: once in awhile

[Saso1]

Thanks for your input. I guess that makes sense, if I'm going to continue taking the supplements I should know what levels the amounts I'm taking create in my system.

I'm really curious to see if the supplementation has improved my testosterone levels ....I really want to avoid a lifetime of injections if possible.

Regarding dosage, do you take preg. twice a day due to a half life short term availability in the system? I was worried I was taking too much at 50mg since Dr. Sahelian says on on his website to never take more than 5-10mg per day. Also, why the 2 day break on DHEA each week?

[kelkel]

What 2Sox said.

Learn to accept that eventually you will be on TRT if you want to maintain optimum health.
Once a day is fine with preg.
You do not need to take days off from dhea. Find your correct dosage based on BW and stick with it.

[2Sox]

As I indicated, I supplement entirely based on my blood work. I'm a little older that most of you guys and my pregnenolone needs an extra boost; my levels show that. Therefore twice a day.

I take DHEA 5 times a week because if I supplement every day, my levels go above range. You definitely don't want that long term.

Further, it's good that you are approaching this conservatively. And I agree entirely with what Kel said above. You will eventually want to go onto TRT but no one should start it without adequate knowledge and a legitimate need. However, I would hope you are aware that once you get on the TRT train, the trip isn't over until you reach the end of the line.

[Saso1]

Thank you guys so much for your input, I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to make a dedicated thread about my story and blood work once this next round of testing is done for some more input.

One last question if you guys have a moment - I'm 33 years old and all my levels are low, particularly pregnenalone which I mentioned was 6 13-208 ng/dL. I can't seem to find much out there in terms of what might be the underlying cause of such low levels. Are there common explanations or conditions to look at when preg levels are so low on an otherwise healthy guy?