Natural brain hormone could tame autism irritability
NCT ID NCT02627508
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone in the brain, can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. 40 participants aged 14 to 25 took either pregnenolone or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measured changes in behavior and sensory sensitivity to see if the hormone was safe and effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pregnenolone
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease irritability and sensory issues in some people with autism.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early pilot study with only 40 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and the benefits might be small or not happen at all.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AUTISM are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, California, 94305, United States