The field of hormonal supplementation among adolescents is a complicated issue extensively discussed in the last few years. Current trends in using ergogenic aids, otherwise known as steroids, hormones, and nutritional supplements, indicate that the younger population is becoming dependent on them. The most known reasons are either to enhance body image or to improve sports performance.
This dependence has led to a growing concern regarding the distribution of these substances among the juvenile community. Of particular focus is using steroids and hormones like pregnenolone and testosterone that promise to boost energy and stamina. Not surprisingly, teenagers will be curious about their reported effects and decide to try these supplements.
If one looks at the marketing approach of these hormone supplements, it is clear that they are meant to entice young minds to partake of them. The positive effects of taking hormone supplements would be typically highlighted. However, they do not clearly show whether it is advisable and safe for even a 14-year-old to use.
The Use of Hormone Supplements Among Adolescents
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now considered a treatment method for people with hormonal imbalances and deficiencies. Though data for adolescent use of supplemental hormones is not that extensive, it is still enough to cause worry among a few health experts.
For adolescents entering puberty with a myriad of health issues, insufficiency of pubertal hormones remains a common yet overlooked problem. However, thanks to relevant clinical studies on hormonal supplementation, it is now possible to treat such deficiencies. Yet, despite the good that comes with supplements, health authorities still question the benefits of taking pregnenolone, in particular, among the teenage group.
When is pregnenolone indicated as a supplement?
Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body. It is termed the mother hormone since it generates pathways for the production of other neurohormones. Also, pregnenolone is deemed one of the most essential hormones in the body. Without it, there would be all sorts of imbalances, mainly progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, testosterone, DHEA, and the like.
In instances when a person is manifesting signs suggestive of depression and anxiety, pregnenolone may be advised. In fact, patients with schizophrenia are found to have extremely low levels of this hormone, so a boost is deemed necessary. Besides mental issues, pregnenolone is proven good for memory by enhancing brain function while halting its aging. Alzheimer’s’ patients benefit from this hormone as well.
Also, when the conventional approach does not seem effective against joint pain caused by gout, pregnenolone is recommended as one of the treatments. For everyday tiredness issues and easy fatiguability, this hormone promotes mood boosts which are helpful to combat the effects of stress. Because of its inhibitory action against cortisol, testosterone levels are enhanced, enabling faster metabolism and weight loss.
What happens if you have too much of this supplement?
Hormone replacement therapy is a quick fix for most hormone-related imbalances and problems. But as with any kind of supplements, too much is never a good thing. The same thing can be said for pregnenolone usage. While it is accepted to be an essential hormone for maintaining balance in your bodily functions, pregnenolone brings with it some unwanted side effects that are worth checking out.
For one thing, doctors recommend taking it during bedtime because it causes drowsiness, which can be dangerous during the day. In long-term usage, a duration lasting more than 3 months, there is not enough evidence to indicate if it is harmful or not.
One crucial thing to duly note is when adolescents take the hormone for any indicated reasons. To date, studies are still not conclusive regarding its efficacy compared to the case of adults. As such, one should be cautious when taking pregnenolone in conjunction with other supplements, as there might be untoward reactions.
Conclusion
All in all, pregnenolone is a non-invasive therapy more common for adults than the youth. However, not much information can be said about whether it is best for treating 14-year-old hormonal imbalances. This method is currently getting mixed reactions from clinicians due to its unwanted adverse effects. Nonetheless, health experts believe doing more extensive research can provide the optimal care that adolescents need.
