DHEA
Information, proper dosage 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mg -
Low and Elevated levels, risks, safety and side effects
Does DHEA supplement use increase sex drive and it is a treatment for those with
sexual dysfunction?
DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone, a
hormone made by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. Scientists have known
about this hormone since 1934. More than 150 hormones are made by the adrenal glands.
However, the most abundant hormone made by the adrenal glands is DHEA. After DHEA is made
by these glands it goes into the bloodstream, and from then on it travels all over the
body and goes into our cells, where it is converted into male hormones, known as
androgens, or female hormones, known as estrogens. Small amounts of DHEA are
also made in the brain by neurons (brain cells). Since
the late 1990s another version of this hormone became available as a supplement. For more
info on 7-keto dhea
supplement.
How much DHEA does our body make?
Humans are thought to make between 10 and 15 mg of DHEA a day. These numbers are
lower in women by about 10 to 20 %.
What is the role of DHEA in the human body?
DHEA is converted in the body to androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogens, thus
influencing practically every organ and tissue in the body, including the brain. However,
the physiological role of DHEA has been studied for over two decades and still eludes
final clarification. Other hormones available over the counter include
melatonin, pregnenolone, and human growth
hormone pills (which are often a scam).
Do DHEA levels in the body stay constant throughout life?
Before puberty, the blood DHEA levels both in males and
females is very low, however, it rapidly increases at puberty, and starting in late 20s or
early 30s, DHEA levels begin to decrease with age. Whether this represents a harmful
deficiency or an age-related adaptation is not known.
Where does DHEA come from?
DHEA supplements are made commercially from a plant of the
Dioscorea family [wild yams] found in abundance in Mexico. Extracts of this plant contain
a steroidal saponin called diosgenin which may be converted in a laboratory by a series of
6 to 8 chemical reactions into DHEA. In the human body, DHEA is made from cholesterol.
Have there been human studies with DHEA?
There have been dozens of studies published in the medical
literature regarding DHEA, and the rate of these studies has accelerated ever since DHEA
became available over-the-counter.
What are the benefits of DHEA?
DHEA supplements help those who have adrenal
deficiency and low levels of DHEA. The benefits from DHEA supplements (in those
who are deficient) include improved sense of wellbeing, more alertness and
stamina, and enhanced sexual interest and libido.
DHEA can convert into testosterone and have a positive influence on sex drive.
However, chronic use in high dosages may sometimes have an opposite effect. Blood levels of all the
steroid hormones that derive from DHEA metabolism are increased when people take
DHEA supplements. This potentially leads to both beneficial and harmful effects.
Additional human research indicates the following benefits:
What about DHEA side effects
and dangers?
Individuals with normal levels of
DHEA who take high doses are likely get side
effects. Common side effects caused by high doses of DHEA include acne, increased sweat
odor and scalp itching, menstrual irregularities, irritability, and restlessness.
Androgenic hormones, such as DHEA, testosterone and androstenedione can cause hair loss in
susceptible individuals. DHEA is likely to raise levels of testosterone and
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles. Too much DHT will lead to scalp hair loss
in some individuals. DHEA has not been tested in combination with other medicines,
therefore little is known about drug/hormone interactions.
DHEA Caution, risk, safety and
danger
High dosages of pregnenolone and DHEA, generally more than 10 mg, cause heart
palpitations and irregular beats in some users. I believe that the highest dose of these
hormones sold over the counter should be no more than 5 mg, even though they are often
available at 10, 25, 50, and even at 100 mg. These hormones are much more powerful that
people realize. Just because they are available over the counter does not mean they have
been proven to be completely safe. The Oct 10, 1998 issue of the respected medical journal Annals of Internal
Medicine published my letter to the editor regarding DHEA and cardiac
arrhythmias. In my clinical practice I have noticed rare instances of skipped heart
beats or heart rhythm irregularities on high dose of DHEA.
What about long term risks of DHEA use?
The longest human trials with DHEA have rarely been over one year, and no
significant health concerns have been noted. However, we do not have studies available
that indicate what effect DHEA has when taken for several years without breaks. The long
term effect of DHEA on breast, prostate, liver and other organs and tissues is not known.
It is not clear at this time whether DHEA supplements enhance the formation of tumors or
protect cancers from developing. These influences may perhaps vary depending on the dosage
used.
Does DHEA misuse cause death?
Thus far, even though DHEA has been sold over-the-counter since the mid 1990s, and
hundreds of thousands of individuals, or perhaps more, are estimated to have taken it,
there have not been any reports in the medical literature indicating that DHEA has caused
fatalities.
Is DHEA an anti-aging hormone?
DHEA has been touted in popular books and magazine articles as having anti-aging
potential. There have not been any long-term studies at this time to give us any clues
whether replacing declining DHEA levels as we age will help us live longer. However, when
used appropriately, individuals who are deficient in this hormone do notice improvement in
their quality of life, including mood, energy, sex drive, and
memory.
Do DHEA supplements suppress the adrenal gland's natural
DHEA production?
The production of many hormones is controlled by a "feedback loop," which
means that when hormone levels get too high, the body is told to make less, and when
hormone levels are too low, the body is told to make more. Cortisol, testosterone, and
estrogen are all regulated by this feedback. In other words, if a person takes cortisol,
or a similar derivative such as prednisone, it will shut off the body's natural
production. DHEA appears to be one of the exceptions. There doesn't seem to be a feedback
mechanism for DHEA. In other words, DHEA supplements are not likely to stop the body's own
production.
What about medical consultation?
Even though vitamins, herbs, and certain hormones, are available over-the-counter, it is
advisable that consumers discuss with their health care provider any supplements they are
taking. Unfortunately, many physicians are not familiar with the benefits and risks of
supplements and consumers are often left on their own to find reliable information
regarding natural supplements.
DHEA Summary
DHEA is made from cholesterol and is a natural hormone that has been available
over-the- counter since the mid 1990s. No fatalities have been recorded in the medical
literature regarding the use of this hormone by the general public. The availability of
DHEA and its popularity have stimulated research by the scientific community regarding the
potential uses of this once neglected natural hormone. Although DHEA has side effects in
high doses, it does not have the acute toxicity that other non-prescription medicines such
as aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) have. Aspirin and acetaminophen are known to cause
thousands of deaths and overdoses each year.
DHEA benefit conclusion
In our opinion, based on its reported benefits and safety profile,
we believe
it’s important that the public should continue to have access to DHEA as a dietary
supplement. However it is recommended that consumers discuss with their health care
provider before undertaking any regular use of this hormone. It is also recommended that
the natural health industry itself put forward that dietary supplement companies
voluntarily sell and recommend only low dosages of this hormone, such as 5 mg.
Since 5 mg pills of DHEA are
difficult to find, those who plan to take this hormone under medical supervision could
open a capsule of 25 mg and take only a small portion, or take a portion of a tablet.
More on DHEA Hair loss side effects
Any androgenic steroid, such as DHEA, testosterone
and androstenedione can cause hair loss in susceptible individuals. DHEA
is likely to raise levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair
follicles. Too much DHT will lead to hair loss. Taking DHEA when a person’s body does
not need it will lead to excess DHT and cause hair loss in many people probably even in
one’s 20s. Too many people are taking high
dosages of these hormones on a regular basis without really needing them. Anyone who wishes to regain their hair should discuss with their physician
about stopping the hormones. The temporary (2 to 3 month) use of finasteride [Propecia (1
mg) or Proscar (5 mg)] could stop the hair loss and possibly regrow part or all of the
lost. It is difficult to predict how long a person would need to take finasteride. Women
may benefit from minoxidil 2% and could discuss with their physician about the use of a
medicine called spironolactone. Whether hair regrows on its own after stopping DHEA or
medicines are necessary to help regrow is not clear at this time.
Is DHEA the only adrenal hormone?
More than 150 hormones are known to be synthesized by the adrenal
glands. However, the most abundant hormone made by the adrenal glands is DHEA. After DHEA
is made by these glands it goes into the bloodstream, and from then on it travels all over
the body and goes into our cells, where it is converted into male hormones, known as
androgens, or female hormones, known as estrogens. Whether DHEA gets converted
predominantly into androgens or estrogens depends on a person's medical condition, age,
genetics, and sex. Every person has a unique biochemistry. In males the testicles also
make androgens, while in females, before menopause, the ovaries also make estrogens. So
the body has developed at least two organs where sex steroids are made. After menopause,
the ovaries no longer make estrogens.
Will natural yam extract pills increase my DHEA levels?
Most of the DHEA sold now in vitamin stores or through mail order firms is
produced in a laboratory from diosgenin. However, some vitamin companies do sell extracts
of wild yams in pill form, without first processing it into DHEA. Some even promote these
yam-extract products as "DHEA precursor complexes" or "natural DHEA."
DHEA is made commercially from a plant of the
Dioscorea family [wild yams] found in abundance in Mexico. Extracts of this plant contain
a steroidal saponin [called diosgenin] which may be converted in a laboratory by a series
of 6 to 8 chemical reactions into DHEA. A comparable series of reactions is not known to
exist in nature and certainly not in humans. Consequently it is highly unlikely, perhaps
impossible is a better word, that the ingestion of extracts of the Dioscorea plant will
lead to the formation, by metabolic transformation of the relevant plant constituent, to
either pregnenolone or DHEA.
DHEA saliva test and DHEA
blood test
I had a DHEA saliva test recently and the results were over 1600. A couple of
weeks later I followed this up with a DHEA-S blood test. The blood tested at 124
(range 15-170), which I was told was normal. Can you explain to me why there
would be such a discrepancy and is this anything I should be further checking
into? I have had thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism and pernicious anemia.
A. We have not found DHEA saliva tests to be very reliable. It is
possible that different labs may provide different saliva DHEA test results when
sent the same sample. Furthermore, salive and DHEA levels can vary throughout
the day and day to day.
DHEA supplement emails
Q. What is a natural source of DHEA?
A. A natural source of DHEA is the wild ham, but several enzymatic
steps are required in the laboratory before actual DHEA can be prepared.
Ingesting wild ham does not lead in the body to DHEA formation.
Q. I have a low DHEA level. Would taking a DHEA
supplement be appropriate for someone with a low DHEA level?
A. Perhaps. It is difficult to know the right dosage of DHEA
supplement based on a blood study. If you have a low DHEA level, perhaps your
doctor can monitor you while you take a small amount of DHEA such as 1 or 2 mg.
In the long run, I prefer going by your symptoms as opposed to the low DHEA
blood level. How you feel is sometimes more important than the blood study.
Q. Is DHEA related to sex drive?
A. In some cases DHEA increases sex drive. Sex drive has many
influences, and low DHEA level is only one factor out of many.
Q. I have a high DHEA and low cortisol level. Is
there a way to decrease the elevated DHEA level?
A. Many people have the misconception that the body is simple and
all one has to do is check the level of hormones and they will have the answer
to their problems. Although this may be true in some cases, such as thyroid
hormone levels, it is simplistic to think that one needs to treat something such
as high DHEA blood test level and low cortisol level unless there are clear
clinical signs that something is not right with the body or the high DHEA blood
test is very, very high. A full medical evaluation is necessary as opposed to
focusing solely on these hormone levels and the elevated DHEA level.
Q. Can a DHEA supplement cause acne?
A. Certainly. Some people who are prone to acne may get an acne
pimple within a day or two of taking a DHEA supplement. DHEA should not be used
by those with an acne problem.
Q. Is a DHEA gel useful?
A. A DHEA gel may be useful but it may be difficult to gauge
exactly how much of the DHEA gel is entering the skin.
Q. I was taking DHEA 100 mg and got severe anxiety
and restlessness. Is DHEA 100 mg too high?
A. Yes, DHEA 100 mg is very, very amount. I have stated in my books
that DHEA 100 mg, 50 mg, DHEA 25 mg, and even 10 mg should not be sold over the
counter since many problems may arise from these high DHEA dosages. Some people
who take DHEA 25 mg have had heart problems as a result.
Q. I want to take DHEA plus
pregnenolone. Any side
effect of taking DHEA plus pregnenolone? Can you also tell me about
androstenedione.
A. DHEA plus pregnenolone can have an additive effect. If you plan
to take 1 mg of each, it may be fine, but if you plan to take 5 mg DHEA plus 5mg
of pregnenolone, you could have side effects that could be serious, such as
heart rhythm problems.
Q. What is the influence of DHEA on the brain?
A. DHEA can improve mood and sexual health since a DHEA supplement
can enter brain tissue. DHEA is actually made in the brain and is called a
neurosteroid.
Q. What is the primary reason DHEA is used for?
A. DHEA is used for replacement of low DHEA levels in aging, but
less than 5 mg may be enough in many people and there is no reason to take DHEA
25 mg. Most people may not need DHEA replacement at all.
Q. Do you recommend DHEA sublingual?
A. Sublingual DHEA is an option since it bypasses the liver.
Q. Can DHEA and melatonin be used together?
A. DHEA is taken in the morning and melatonin is used at night. I
don't see any problems taking DHEA and melatonin the same day.
Q. Is DHEA safe?
A. " Is DHEA safe " is a good question. As long as DHEA is taken by
those who really need it, such as a very low DHEA test level, and in dosages of
3 mg of less with occasional breaks from use, then it DHEA is safe.
Q. Is DHEA available in Canada?
A. To the best of our knowledge, Canada does not allow the sale of
DHEA over the counter.
Q. Is DHEA a sex enhancer, does it help those with
impotence or sexual dysfunction?
A. DHEA is a sex enhancer in some people who have low levels of the
hormone. Some people may notice a boost in libido and it is appropriate to use
this hormone for brief periods for these puposes.
Q. Is the DHEA dosage for a man similar to a
woman?
A. Women need less DHEA than a man.
Q, I'm female, 32 years old. In trying to elevate
low sex hormones ( always low estradiol ) and treat signs of adrenal fatigue, at
the advice of my physician I started taking 10 (and occasionally 15) milligrams
of DHEA per day. My levels were a little low (175). I did this for about a month
and a half, adding 2 to 5 mgs of pregnenolone per day during the last two weeks
of treatment. My blood tests during treatment did not show elevated testosterone
and so I wasn't concerned. It really helped me feel more energetic, motivated
and my sex drive improved
a little. When I stopped treatment to do some testing with a new doctor I became
very tired within a week and my blood pressure dropped. I felt awful but I
decided not go back on either DHEA or pregnenolone. My test results two days
after stopping showed DHEA at 150, lower than ever. A few weeks after stopping I
shed a whole lot of hair but didn't expect it to show because I have a lot of
hair and I've shed similar amounts before (or so I remember). Around the time I
shed the hair, I did some testing again (for my own curiosity) and showed
slightly higher than normal serum testosterone (80) but low free. I did not get
a DHEA number at that time as it was not part of the package I ordered. About a
month after stopping DHEA I thought I noticed a little thinning but I wasn't
sure. Now, over a month and a half after stopping, hair thinning is definitely
happening and appears to be progressing quickly. I am seeing a thinner hairline
and over all less volume. I thought androgenic hair loss was slow. Is it
possible that my treatment with DHEA and pregnenolone created more receptors in
my follicles making me more sensitive to normal levels? Or is there something
about stopping DHEA (or having levels drop quickly) that causes hair loss? My
dermatologist sent me for even more blood testing to diagnose the reason for the
hair loss. The results came back yesterday. Low ferritin (28) as usual but the
other iron tests came back good (low levels never seemed to affect my hair,
anyway). Testosterone is normal (36). Free is on the low side of normal as usual
.7%. DHEA is 250 -- a little more than when I first ever tested it at 212. I
guess my adrenals are putting out enough on their own now. I'd really like to
know how to address this hair loss and why it seems to be progressing even
though I'm not taking DHEA. This email became a little longer than I intended
but it addresses noticeable hair loss AFTER DHEA cessation and I don't believe
that was covered on your site.
A. It is possible that finasteride used temporarily may be helpful
but we are not sure.
Q. What is a symptom of low DHEA?
A. Symptom of low DHEA could be lack of vitality, low sex drive,
and lack of energy. These symptoms can be caused by many other factors.
Q. I am considering DHEA supplementation but not
sure what DHEA dosage to begin with.
A. DHEA supplementation is not to be done as casually as Vitamin C
supplementation. Risks are involved. Read all the DHEA information you can from
reliable sources before engaging in DHEA supplementation. If you do decide to
use this hormone supplement, and your doctor approves, use 1 or 2 mg only.
Q. I am a 42 year old male, 5'10", 220 lbs. I went to a
vitamin store and it was suggested that I take DHEA to increase my testosterone
which I was told would help increase my metabolism. I took one 25mg dhea capsule
the first two to three days the I reduced it to half tablets everyday. After
taking dhea almost for one month I didn't feel any change in my sex drive.
However after I stopped, I could see increase in my libido and sex drive. But
suddenly I started having heart palpitation (rate 110/min and above), uneasyness,
breathlessness etc once a day. Though it's almost one month i didn't touch DHEA.
Could you please explain wether this is due to DHEA or something else. For your
info, I am diagonse with Mild Hypertension and Cervical Spondlysis.
A. The symptoms could be due to dhea use but they should disappear
with time.
Q. The consultant (Dr. of pharmacy) who my primary care
physician sent me to told me I have off the chart low levels of DHEA and that I
need to supplement it with 20 mg per day. Seeing your article about DHEA, I am
not sure I should do this. Any comments?
A. You may wish to discuss the DHEA information on the website with
the prescribing doctors.
Q. Hi im 19 years old i started takeing the DHEA
supplement at 5mg a day purely because iv read that its a can be used as a type
of safe steroid for muscle growth after 3 weeks of use i have noticed gains i go
to the gym most days but the gains while on DHEA are noticible but my question
is i have turned angry very snatchy short fused everythink that involves me in
thinking like maths just sends me into angry mode but i have no hair loss and my
sex drive is like 100% pls replay is this normal ?
A. DHEA can cause this type of irritability and anger. DHEA is
likely to cause thinning of hair and it may occur so slowly that you may not
realize it until one day you look in the mirror and your hairline has receded.
It is not clear whether the hair would come back fully if the DHEA is stopped.
Creatine appears to be a safer way to increase muscle mass.
I am a 41 year old woman. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, low blood pressure problems, heart fluttering palpitations, anxiety
panic attacks, insomnia, Fibromyalgia, inability to concentrate/think properly,
a dramatic decrease in libido and have suffered Chronic Fatigue Syndrome several
times over the years. I am constantly fatigued, drowsy and often very lethargic,
plus have noticed a large increase in my hair loss. I have just consulted a
doctor who checked my blood levels of DHEA and they were 0.69. He is talking of
putting me onto DHEA, which is not available over the counter in Australia.
Reading your site (which is fantastic, thank you), I am a bit apprehensive about
beginning treatment. I am, however, desperate to regain energy and vitality. I
would appreciate your opinion dhea supplementation, dhea
dosage, dhea sex enhancer.
We can't offer individual advice but you could consider eating
more cold water fish such as salmon and halibut and ask your doctor about fish
oil capsules. Yoga is very helpful. However your case is complicated and a
comprehensive approach needs to be taken.
Q. Several years ago I read, and very much enjoyed, "DHEA: A Practical Guide." I notice that the Mayo Clinic completed a two-year study on the anti-aging effects of DHEA supplementation, and decided that there were no benefits to such action. (The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October, 2006.) Have there been any intelligent rebuttals to that study, and if so where can I find more information? Thanks if you can help me in this request.
Q. I am a graduate student at MIT. I have been assigned
to write about a recent Mayo Clinic study that suggests the popular antiaging
supplement DHEA has no beneficial effects. The two-year study appeared in the
October 19, 2006 issue of New England Journal of Medicine. I was wondering if
you think elderly people should stop taking DHEA in light of the findings? Do
you think more research is necessary to evaluate the potential long-term health
risks associated with DHEA?
A. Two years is not long enough to determine if a supplement has anti-aging
benefits. I am not a big proponent of DHEA. In my opinion, hormone
supplementation is very risky. DHEA side effects could occur with high dose use.
These include hair loss and potential tumor formation. DHEA may be appropriate
in some people who have very low DHEA or testosterone levels. Low dosages of 1
to 5 mg, with a week off each month, may be appropriate for some people who may
notice an increase in vitality and libido. The whole topic of hormone supplement
use is very controversial and there is a variety of opinions among physicians
and scientists.
Q. Absolutely love your site on dhea. I am currently
taking a bioidentical troche for hrt and since reading your info have eliminated
the dhea from it. Symptoms were hair loss and heart flutters, however I did
enjoy the enhanced
sexual feelings while taking the dhea.
Will the use of a DHEA supplement lead to a bigger
penis?
No, even though some websites make this claim.
Q. When is the best time to take DHEA?
A. Morning is a good time, although each person may be different.
Q. was reading your page on Dhea. It had a lot of
good information, coming from the industry I was troubled by some simple notions
that it did not contain. You may agree. Micronized Dhea has is better. I will
not elaborate unless you request. Women and men are different. I cringe
when women are using more than 12 mg without consulting a doctor. Too much
endogenous estrogen...bad idea. To much estrogen (cancer) can convert to
testosterone---estradiol ....do I need to say more. As a physician I do not
expect you to recommend high doses of Dhea. I am not in agreement with you.
Having said that I am troubled that consumers would gamble with their health and
start out with more than 5mg. A more intelligent strategy is to work up to 25 mg
for men or even 50mg depending on age. To see what you can tolerate. Most silly
consumers do not understand Dhea aromatizes to estrogen in men ....undesirable.
Using things like DIM is productive for men and probably women. Personally I
have used dhea for close to 10 years. I started with 5 mg and over several
months worked my way up to 25 mg. Now I am a 52 year old male and use 50 mg of
Dhea. I also use DIM two times/ day. I have done saliva tests without aromatase
inhibitors. 50 mg of dhea does raise estradiol outside the normal range at lease
for me. I use pueraria mirifica which is the most estragenic plant on earth and
a potent competitive inhibitor. My hair is as thick as can be. I also added
pregnenolone 5 years, started with 10 mg and worked my way up to 50 mg. My heath
is very good, I look young, however my family looks young. My blood pressure is
very good. I do not think large amounts of both Dhea and pregnenolone is for
everybody especially women. I do not believe starting out with more than 5 mg
for a women and 10 mg for a man.
A. We have not seen any research that micronized DHEA has more
health benefits or has fewer side effects than regular DHEA. The long term
health benefits and risks of DHEA use are not known. Until more long term
research is available, it is best to use low dosages if used at all.
Q. I tried taking DHEA and after about 4 weeks I
developed a really bad yeast infection. Do you know of DHEA medication causing
that in women?
A. We have not had any reports of women mentioning to us regarding
DHEA associated with yeast infections, nor have we seen any mention of this in
the medical literature.
Q. What do you believe the effect of DHEA is which
results in the cardiac irregularities? Does it effect catecholamines resulting
in extrasystoles?
A. We don't know how DHEA hormone influences heart rhythm, perhaps
it acts directly on the sinus node?
Q. I had a question about DHEA hormone use. My current
job test for all drugs, including muscle enhancement drugs. My question is that
if i still wanted to take DHEA how long would i have until i would test negative
for it? in other words how long after haltering DHEA use will it stay in my
system?
A. Drug tests do not look at DHEA levels and it is a natural, legal
hormone. It is likely that DHEA levels will drop very quickly within a day or
two after stopping use.
Q. If someone has adequate serum levels of DHEA does
that mean that pregnenolone is not needed since the DHEA is in a sufficient
range. Can one have adequate DHEA and still need pregnenolone? Which is the best
way to test the pregnenolone levels-saliva or serum?
A. The term adrenal fatigue is not a helpful term for diagnosis or
treatment. We prefer treating and evaluating the whole person and the symptoms a
person has rather than overly focusing on levels of hormones or blood studies.
If adequate DHEA levels are present, then it is likely that adequate levels of
pregnenolone are also present. Blood levels of pregnenolone are more consistent
and easier to interpret than saliva levels.
Q. I have clinical depression, been diagnosed for 10
years. I'm trying to avoid taking Effexor. I recently tried dhea supplement and
i've been getting excellent results. However, the dosage is 25 mg, one tablet
each day. Now, I am 6'5" in height. I'm a pretty tall guy. I have been taking a
total of 90mg a day. Do you know if this DHEA dosage is safe? Wouldn't it be
okay to take this DHEA dosage because of my height? Or, am i actually going to
be doing damage to myself by increasing the dosage?
A. We can't give individual advice regarding the appropriate DHEA
dosage for any particular person, but you should be aware of the dangers and
cautions regarding the use of DHEA hormone as listed on the site.
Q. In December 2007, I had a total hysterectomy, total
(family history of ovarian cancer). Saliva tests and urine tests show that I now
have low levels of DHEA. I am on a compounded BHRT, prescribed by my holistic
doctor. I am 48.
Since blood and saliva tests showed I am low on DHEA, do you believe 25 mgs per
day is okay? I feel terrific. I have been on the DHEA therapy since January. My
doctor advises if I notice hair loss, to cut back. However, I don't want to wait
for that awful day to occur. Do you suggest I cut back to half a tablet? I just
ordered BIOSOM's DHEA spray 7 mgs per pump. It is hard to find 5 mgs.
A. We have not found DHEA blood studies to be a very reliable
indicator of DHEA dosage requirement.
I read on Dr. Ray Sahelian's website all of the
information about DHEA. My doctor suggested I take 5-10 mg daily of DHEA with
sulfate; I have adrenal fatigue. Unfortunately, I cannot locate a source for the
DHEA with sulfate. Any ideas?
DHEA supplements, when ingested, are converted into DHEA
sulfate. There is no need to take a DHEA sulfate supplement. In the bloodstream,
DHEA travels mostly as DHEA sulfate.
I take DHEA every day and I read on a blog that it is not a good idea to take
yohimbe bark along with the hormone. Do you have any idea why that
would be?
There is a possibility of increased risk for heart
rhythm disturbance by combining herbal extract and the hormone pill.
If someone's DHEA-Sulfate level is too high, well over
the reference range, is there anything one can do to bring that down, besides
stopping the use. Your advise in this matter will be very much appreciated.
Of course one would need to stop supplementation, but rather
than treating an isolated blood test result, a physician has to review and
evaluate the whole body and review the results of the medical history,
examination, and results of other lab studies before deciding whether or not an
isolated dhea blood test elevation is pertinent or not of any significance.