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The most abundant hormone found in the bloodstream, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced by the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys. Much like human growth hormone (HGH) and melatonin, two other hormones now known to have anti-aging properties, DHEA is produced abundantly during youth, with production peaking around age 25 years. After this, though, production wanes. By the age of 80 years, people are thought to have only 10 to 20 percent of the DHEA they had at age 20.
RESEARCH
Research has shown that DHEA has many functions in the body pertaining to health and longevity. Among other things, it helps to generate the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone; increases the percentage of muscle mass; decreases the percentage of body fat; and stimulates bone deposition, thereby helping to prevent osteoporosis. As the production of DHEA declines with age, the structures and systems of the body appear to decline with it. This leaves the body vulnerable to various cancers, including cancer of the breast, prostate, and bladder, as well as to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, nerve degeneration, and other age-related conditions.
Research suggests that DHEA replacement therapy can have a number of highly beneficial effects. In a 1986 study based on 12 years of research involving 242 middle-aged and elderly men, small doses of DHEA appeared to be linked with a 48% reduction in death from heart disease, and a 36% reduction in death from other causes. In a 28-day study, DHEA therapy enabled men to lose 31% of mean body fat without changing body weight. DHEA is though to have cause this loss of fat by blocking an enzyme that is known to produce fat tissue and promote cancer cell growth. In another study, middle-aged and elderly men taking DHEA for one year experienced a markedly greater sense of well-being, including a better ability to cope with stress, increased mobility, decreased pain, and higher quality of sleep. Research also indicates that DHEA supplements can help prevent cancer, arterial disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease; treat lupus and osteoporosis; enhance the activity of the immune system; and improve memory and help remedy depression. Laboratory studies in animals have indicated that DHEA can increase life span by as much as 50%.
DHEA THERAPY
DHEA comes both in non-prescription strength pills and capsules, and in higher dosage prescription strength pills and capsules. Most of the DHEA that you can buy is made in laboratories from substances extracted from wild yams, the most common substance being diosgenin. Also available are extracts of the wild yam that have not been processed into DHEA, but which the body may convert into DHEA.
DHEA therapy should be undertaken with caution. Some health care providers believe that high dosages of DHEA suppress the body's natural ability to synthesize the hormone. Animal studies have indicated that high doses can also lead to liver damage. For this reason, while undergoing DHEA replacement therapy, it is important to take supplements of the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium to prevent oxidative damage to the liver.
A DHEAS (dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate) blood test should be taken 3-6 weeks after beginning DHEA therapy to help determine optimal dosing. Some people neglect to test their blood levels for DHEA and wind up chronically taking the wrong dose. When having your blood tested for DHEA, blood should be drawn 3 to 4 hours after the last dose. DHEA testing may save you money if you can take less DHEA to maintain youthful DHEA serum levels.
The standard blood test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEAS. The DHEAS is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood.
The youthful ranges of DHEAS are as follows:
Men 400-560 Women 350-430
People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100. Chronic DHEA deficiency is a risk factor for developing the degenerative diseases of aging according to the preponderance of evidence existing in the scientific literature.
Some people obtain a baseline DHEAS blood test before beginning DHEA replacement therapy, however, based upon numerous DHEA blood tests evaluated by The Life Extension Foundation, anyone over age 40 who does not supplement DHEA is already deficient in serum DHEA. Therefore, it may be more economical to have the first DHEA blood test 3-6 weeks after initiating DHEA replacement therapy. There are precautions that should be observed that are different for men and women.
MEN:
Before initiating DHEA therapy, men should know their serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) level and have passed a digital rectal exam. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate disease are advised to avoid DHEA since DHEA can be converted into testosterone (and estrogen). These sex hormones and their metabolites can promote cell proliferation. It is important to understand, however, that well-controlled studies show that serum DHEA levels are usually lower in men with malignant prostate disease compared to healthy control subjects. Therefore, men are advised to have a PSA and digital rectal exam before initiating DHEA therapy to rule out existing prostate disease, not because DHEA causes the disease. To the contrary, there is evidence indicating that maintaining youthful levels of DHEA may protect against prostate cancer. To reduce risk that hormone modulation with DHEA could contribute to a prostate problem, men taking DHEA are also advised to take:
Selenium
Mega Soy Extract
(40% isoflavone extract)
Lycopene Extract
Saw Palmetto Extract
Pygeum Extract
Nettle Extract
Gamma Tocopheral
200-600 mcg daily
135 mcg twice daily
20-40 mg daily
160 mg twice daily
50 mg twice daily
120 mg twice daily
200 mg daily
Note: An aromatase inhibitor should be considered if serum estrogen levels are high. Refer to the Male Hormone Modulation Protocol for complete information about suppressing excessive estrogen levels.
Men over 40 should consider checking their PSA and DHEAS serum levels every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Men should also periodically check their blood levels for free testosterone and estrogen to make sure that DHEA is following a youthful metabolic pathway. See the Male Hormone Modulation protocol at www.LifeExtension.com for additional hormone balance testing that can be done at the same time serum DHEA and PSA levels are being tested.
WOMEN:
DHEA can increase serum estrogen levels in women and eliminate the need for estrogen replacement therapy in some women.
To help protect cells (especially breast cells) from excessive proliferation in response to estrogen, women taking DHEA should also take:
Vitamin E Succinate
Mega Soy Extract
(40% isoflavone extract)
Indole-3-carbinol
Vitamin D3
400-800 IU daily
135 mcg twice daily
200 mg twice daily
1000-1400 IU daily
Women should consider estrogen and testosterone testing when they take their DHEA blood test in order to evaluate DHEA's affect on their blood levels of estrogens.
Women who have been diagnosed with an estrogen-dependent cancer should consult their health care providers before beginning DHEA therapy. Some studies indicate that higher serum DHEA protects against breast cancer, but no adequate studies have been done to evaluate the effects of DHEA in breast cancer patients. If DHEA were to elevate estrogens too much, this could theoretically increase the risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells proliferating faster. Women taking DHEA should refer to the Female Hormone Modulation protocol at www.LifeExtension.com for information about restoring youthful hormone balance.
CAUTION:
DHEA can be converted into testosterone and estrogen. These sex hormones and their metabolites can promote benign and malignant prostate cell proliferation. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate hypertrophy are advised to avoid DHEA. Women with estrogen-dependent cancer should consult their heath care providers before beginning DHEA therapy.
Individuals with existing liver disease (such as viral hepatitis or cirrhosis) might consider taking DHEA sublingually (under the tongue) or using a topical DHEA cream to reduce the amount of DHEA entering the liver. DHEA is converted by the liver into DHEA-s (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). Those with liver disease should carefully monitor liver enzyme levels to make sure that DHEA therapy is not making liver disease worse.
Life Extension Foundation: DHEA Replacement Therapy - Disease Therapies Protocol
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
DHEA PRODUCTS
DHEA: The Youth And Health Hormone, By Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
This "Good Health Guide" is a thoroughly documented study that tells the full story of DHEA, the critical hormone that holds promise as an antidote to the diseases of aging.
DHEA Plus, DHEA Cream, Life-Flo, 2 oz.
Superior DHEA Cream helps supplement your body with youthful levels of DHEA.
DHEA / Dehydroepiandrosterone, Pharmaceutical Grade, Anti-Aging Support, Hypo Allergenic, 50 mg, 180 Caps
DHEA may be used for immune system dysfunction, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, anti-aging and auto-immune diseases.
DHEA / Dehydroepiandrosterone, Pharmaceutical Grade, Anti-Aging Support, Hypo Allergenic, 25 mg, 180 Caps
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant steroid in the blood stream produced mainly in the adrenal glands. DHEA is the biochemical building blocks for the synthesis of other hormones.
7 Keto DHEA, Metabolite of DHEA, NOW Foods, 25 mg, 90 Caps
7 Keto DHEA capsules Support the immune System and aid weight loss. A powerful antioxidant, 7 KETO DHEA aids fat metabolism and supports the production of lean muscle tissue.
HerbalRemedies.com: DHEA / Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplements and Products
DHEA INFORMATION & PRODUCTS
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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