Format: Download Video of Slides with Synchronized Audio

Presenter: James L. Wilson, ND

The purpose of this presentation is to give the practicing physician an accurate, comprehensive and clinically applicable understanding of what has become known as the “pregnenolone steal”. It has been noted that during times of chronic stress, saliva and urine tests show lowered DHEAS levels in conjunction with normal or mildly elevated cortisol levels. Several online presentations and physician lectures have offered their own explanation for how this occurs, using the term “pregnenolone steel” as a descriptive name for it. This presentation delves into this area of fast-growing interest to provide a more fact-based and plausible explanation for these laboratory findings. It includes a brief overview of the molecular biology, physiology, anatomy and biochemistry of the adrenal gland cortex and how they all work together to produce what is known as the “pregnenolone steel”. The intent of this presentation is to shed light on this misunderstood concept and create a new paradigm that will help the clinician better understand the interrelationship of some of major functions of the adrenal cortex and how this knowledge is essential to correctly interpret adrenal hormone test results.