Neurosteroids for PTSD in Veterans

Inclusion Criteria: * DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD with CAPS-5 Total Score 3 * Females will be required to use a medically and study approved contraceptive or otherwise not be of child-bearing potential * Birth control methods must be non-hormonal * No anticipated need to alter psychiatric medications for duration of study involvement * Ability to participate fully in the informed consent process Exclusion Criteria: * History of allergy to pregnenolone * Medical disorders that may preclude safe administration of pregnenolone or exacerbate PTSD symptoms * Current suicidal or homicidal ideation necessitating clinical intervention or representing an imminent concern * Prior suicide attempt history or suicidal ideation that does not require clinical intervention or represent an imminent concern is permitted * Serious unstable medical illness, such as: * history of cerebrovascular accident * prostate * uterine or breast cancer * others (at the discretion of the PI and medical oversight team) * Medical conditions not well controlled will be excluded, at the discretion of the PI and Medical Team * Standard pharmacological interventions for PTSD will not be exclusionary, including, but not limited to: * antidepressant medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, bupropion, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, and nefazodone * mood stabilizers such as carbamazepine, divalproex, lamotrigine, topiramate * atypical antipsychotics, and other agents including prazosin * However…