DHEA Supplements

[dixiechick]

I have recently been dealing with hormone issues. It never ceases to amaze me what an important roll hormones play in both our body functions and mental state. Let me just add that I am at an age where HRT is now mandatory.

My recent visit to the doctor he said that my DHEA levels were extremely low. This was no surprise my ovaries were removed years ago and I've been on hormones ever since. I was not familiar with DHEA. This was something I had not done much research on, so I decided to check it. I like to know what I'm putting in my body before I start taking anything. He wants me to start taking DHEA supplements 50 mgs per day.

DHEA
from the MayoClinic.com

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous hormone (made in the human body), and secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol.

There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

No studies on the long-term effects of DHEA have been conducted. DHEA can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed health professional.

Dosing
DHEA is available as capsules, tablets and injections. Commonly used doses range from 25-200 milligrams daily. Higher doses of 200-500 milligrams per day have been studied for depression in HIV/AIDS. Daily use of DHEA has been studied up to one year in the available scientific studies.

Topical (on the skin) and intravenous injections (into the veins) have also been studied, but safety and effectiveness has not been proven. A 5-10% cream containing DHEA has been used up to four weeks.

[dixiechick]

Re: DHEA Supplements

After doing more searching, there is no significant research to DHEA supplements contributing to bodybuilding, muscle growth or weight loss. However, as we get older DHEA levels can decrease by 90%. It peaks at the age of 20. For younger people there no benefits to taking it; however there is studies that show benefits for older individuals especially in overall sense of well being.

For further information on DHEA DHEA Supplement Information
This site wouldn't let me cut-n-paste so here is the link.

[Dzone]

Re: DHEA Supplements

Good informaTION! Ive been taking DHEA for a while.

[trip]

Re: DHEA Supplements

DHEA, is one of the oldest supllments, there is a ton of research, yet, since it's developement was HRT you won't find alot on bbuilding, it is cheap cheap cheap and effective.

The thing is you can get it in increments of 5 mg, all the way up too 50 mg.

It works I've used it thousands of times, I would say you're doctor is quite aggressive in the dosage, try one week at 5-10 mg, see how you feel and then increase if you want too............for females, highest dose i've researched is 25 mg.

Although it is not a panacea, it does do work and work well, since it's daily, you should get a feel in 3 days, plus it's cheap cheap cheap cheap, and why big pharma is against it and most doctors , who get alot of info from drug sales persons, know almost little.

good luck

[BABY1]

Re: DHEA Supplements

Can't you get a script for DHEA? With proven levels being low, I would think that prescription strength DHEA would be more beneficial. You really don't know if what your getting over the counter is dosed right anyway.

[Dzone]

Re: DHEA Supplements

Can't you get a script for DHEA? With proven levels being low, I would think that prescription strength DHEA would be more beneficial. You really don't know if what your getting over the counter is dosed right anyway.

There are some reputable supplement companies. Pure Encapsulations is where I get my DHEA

[dixiechick]

Re: DHEA Supplements

Trip & Dzone... thanks!! You're input is very helpful.

My doctor is very progressive. He's given me HRT in pellets that are placed under the skin on my hip. It includes estrogen and test. He also told me he gave me a higher dose of test than most females because I'm into bodybuilding. He felt like my body needed more to maintain & grow muscle. He also gave me a script for HCG. I'm still a little skeptical on if this really helps with weight loss, but I'm willing to give it try. I know the HCG diet is just another starvation diet. I don't recommend it to anyone.