... for your health, your children's health and the health of the environment.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-S (the sulphated, inactive counterpart) are the two most abundantly produced steroid hormones in the body. It is made from cholesterol in the Adrenal gland and is the major source from which oestrogens and testosterone are made in the body.
The full spectrum of its action is not understood, but it is known to have an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Between the ages of 20 and 25, DHEA production peaks. Men produce more than women, but both sexes make about 2 per cent less every year after the age of 25.
Longevity
Research has shown that in elderly people, higher levels of DHEA mean better health and longer lifespan. When people are given DHEA, they generally experience a greater level of energy as well increased libido (both men and women) ... probably due to the conversion of DHEA to Testosterone.
The Heart
DHEA has been shown to protect against heart disease and atherosclerosis. A study using coronary artery angiography showed that low DHEA levels predispose people to more significant coronary artery blockage. Another study showed that DHEA inhibits abnormal blood platelet aggregation, a factor in the development of sudden heart attack and stroke. In contrast, some studies on DHEA do not show the cardiovascular disease protection.
DHEA Dosing and Safety Precautions
Properly managed DHEA therapy can be useful for most older men and women to increase energy, vitality and to foster an overall youthful feeling. However, there are guidelines that should be followed for safe long-term use of DHEA.
A recommended starting daily dose is 10mg for women and 25mg for men ... the typical daily doses the majority of people use to restore serum DHEA to youthful levels. DHEA can be taken with or without food, though some believe that fat helps DHEA to assimilate better. Some people absorb DHEA better by taking it 20 to 30 minutes before meals.
A DHEA-s blood test should be taken three to six weeks after beginning DHEA therapy to help determine optimal dosing. Some people neglect to test their blood levels of DHEA and wind up chronically taking the wrong dose. When having your blood tested for DHEA, blood should be drawn three to four hours after the last dose. DHEA testing can save you money if it shows that you can take less DHEA to maintain youthful DHEA serum levels.
The standard blood test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEA-s (sulfate). The DHEA-s is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood.
| The youthful ranges of DHEAS are as follows: | |
| Men | Women |
| 400 to 560 | 350 to 430 |
Men
Before initiating DHEA therapy, men should know their serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) level and have passed a digital rectal exam.
Previously it has been recommended that men with prostate cancer should avoid DHEA. Our concern is that in some men, DHEA may convert into testosterone and other growth factors that could cause existing prostate cancer cells to propagate. In some men, however, DHEA will mildly elevate estrogen levels, which would theoretically be good for those with prostate cancer since estrogen is known to help suppress prostate cancer cell growth. At the end of this article is a diagram showing the different endocrine pathways that DHEA can transform to in the body.
The preponderance of the published literature shows that higher DHEA blood levels do not cause prostate cancer. In fact, recent studies indicate that DHEA may confer a protective effect against prostate cancer. While some doctors still express theoretical concern that DHEA could cause prostate cancer, this theory loses credibility upon reading scientific studies showing that DHEA may protect against the development of prostate cancer.
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 additional supplements. (See box below.)
Women should consider estrogen and testosterone testing when they take their DHEA blood test in order to evaluate DHEA's effect on their blood levels of estrogens.
Women who have been diagnosed with an estrogen-dependent cancer should consult their physicians 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 estrogen too much, this could theoretically increase the risk of breast cancer. (Women taking DHEA should refer to the Female Hormone Replacement protocol for information about restoring youthful hormone balance.)
Side Effects
Mainly androgenisation (facial hair, acne) due to the conversion to testosterone. Other side effects include rapid heart beat, irritability, headaches and insomnia.
References and Suggested Further Reading
Life Extension Foundation web-site ... www.lef.org
Smart Guide to Better Sex (Morgenthaler & Sims)
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause (John R. Lee)
MT BARKER