Pregnenolone, Mass Spectrometry (Endocrine Sciences)

Use

Pregnenolone is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, produced by the adrenal glands and gonads. The formation of pregnenolone from cholesterol is the first step in steroidogenesis, and its levels can be used to diagnose various forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Pregnenolone levels tend to be elevated in several forms of CAH, particularly in 17α-hydroxylase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies. It provides insights into conditions like Cushing syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, and idiopathic hirsutism, as levels vary under these conditions.