No. 12

DHEA– Natural Steroid Hormone

DHEA is a steroid hormone naturally made by the body. DHEA and Pregnenolone are the only two natural steroids sold on the market as a supplement.  Although it can be derived from soy and wild yam, eating these foods will not increase your DHEA levels because the human body cannot make DHEA from these chemicals. Basically remember, when products such as these are labeled “natural DHEA” it is a sham. Your body cannot break down this steroid through digestion of food and must be taken in supplement form.  There are those who should not use DHEA—see the end of the material for these advisories. Many cases of DHEA deficiency also may involve deficiency of progesterone or other hormones.  In some cases Pregnenolone is another option over DHEA depending upon the individual’s needs.

Athletes also like to supplement DHEA because it increases muscle mass and energy. However, even though natural, the NCAA has banned its use in competitive sports. DHEA is used to slow or reverse the aging process by tightening skin and improving thinking ability. It has even been found to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It is a natural steroid preferred by men for ED (erectile dysfunction). Women supplementing DHEA improve hormones which improve sexual function and overall sense of well-being. Autoimmune illnesses which require the aid of steroids may find DHEA supplements to reduce the need for these drugs by reducing inflammation and calming the overactive immune system. There are many benefits in supplementing DHEA as well as advisories.

DHEA has been studied and found to be effective for these health issues;

1. Lupus (SLE)

2. Bone loss- particular osteoporosis

3. Schizophrenia

4. Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

5. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

6. Erectile dysfunction (ED)

7. Low Testosterone (Low T)

8. Parkinson’s disease

9. Breast cancer and heart disease prevention

10. Depression

11. Diabetes and other metabolic disorders

12. Weight loss

13. Menopause Symptoms

14. Improves mineralization in bone density

15. Strengthens vaginal walls post menopause

16. Hives

17. Inflammatory illnesses and general inflammation

18.  RA (rheumatoid arthritis)
ORAL SUPPLEMENTAL DOSES: The following doses have been studied in scientific research.  DHEA is taken first thing in the morning with plain water on an empty stomach.  Allow 1 hour before eating any food, for maximum assimilation.  Take DHEA in the morning and not late in the day or evenings or you may experience insomnia since this supplement improves energy levels.

Lupus- 200 mg per day along with conventional medical treatment with doses as high as 600 mg per day under the care of a health care professional

Anti-Aging-  25 mg for most women although 50 mg is sometimes used, 50 mg to 100 mg for men depending upon individual health issues

Immune Building-  may be used in cases of immune deficiency for improving energy and combating depression related to illness 25 mg.

Depression-  25 mg. or higher if recommended by your health care professional

Adrenal Deficiency- 25-50 mg. in a single dose as a replacement hormone

Schizophrenia- taper up 25 mg per day for 2 weeks following with 25 mg 2 x per day for the next 2 weeks and 50 mg 2 x daily for the next 2 weeks. Results determine dosage which is experienced with time using this schedule

Bone Density & Osteoporosis– 25 to 100 mg per day

Erectile dysfunction (ED) : 50 to 100 mg per day

RA (rheumatoid arthritis)  25 mg to 50 mg per day as recommended by your doctor.  May want to have bioidentical hormone testing to confirm what other hormones are deficient

Hives- as preventative 25 mg to 50 mg per day dependent upon age and health. Acute 50 mg to 200 mg per day for 2 weeks and taper down to maintenance

Who Should Not Take DHEA

Aside from the standard Disclaimer, DHEA should not be taken by individuals with a history of certain hormonal cancers without proper testing and guidance of a competent medical health care provider.

DHEA, is most commonly taken at a dose of 25mg to 100mg.  Any dosage above this should be used therapeutically and time-limited and reduced to a low level after experiencing results.

There are some people who should NOT take DHEA unless being monitored through blood testing by a health care professional.  Some people who are prednisone dependent have used DHEA to taper off steroids as a replacement for holding back inflammation.  If using higher doses for this purpose, speak to your doctor for instruction.  Therapeutic taper doses of 100-200 daily mg. are reduced to 25 mg over a 10 day period.  Confirm blood pressure is normal while using a higher dose while tapering down.  25 mg is often used as a maintenance dose if advised when steroids may have been taken for extended periods of time. Lower doses in a taper to continue discontinue may be used over a few months if necessary.

Doses higher than 50 mg are not recommended for long term use unless a hormonal panel blood test is taken in order to determine your individual need.  A higher dose is considered 50mg or more. Initially it is commonly supplemented for a few weeks to a few months. If continuing ongoing use, have a hormonal panel blood test and determine what dosage will best benefit your individual needs. Maintenance dose for women is 25mg. and 50mg. for men. For Low-T most men take 100mg. per day or even more if their doctor directs them to increase the dosage accompanied with periodic blood tests.

Taking a long term dose which is too high can result in a lowering of voice, facial hair growth, acne, and hair loss.  Of course it goes without saying that DHEA should not be used by any pregnant or nursing woman.  It should not be used persons under the age of 25 without a doctor’s oversight.  Children or teenagers should never take DHEA unless prescribed by their doctor.

You should not use DHEA if you have a history of certain conditions without the oversight of your physician– some of these following conditions may also be benefited by taking DHEA, so oversight with a health care professional with accompanying blood work is recommended for long term use. DHEA and Pregnenolone (for women) are safe and natural steroids and an alternative to pharmaceutical hormonal replacement drugs. DHEA is complimentary with herbal hormone formulas specific to balancing targeted hormones with plant applications– These conditions should use DHEA with the oversight of a health care professional;

• breast cancer
• endometriosis
• ovarian cancer
• uterine fibroids
• cystic acne
• any health condition which would be made worse by either estrogen or testosterone
• If you have a liver disease
• If you have diabetes, your need for insulin could reduce, so monitor your blood sugar carefully if taking DHEA
• If you have bipolar- regular depression may be benefited from taking DHEA however, in cases of bipolar, it should be avoided and may cause mania.  With a doctor’s supervision, DHEA can be helpful in raising bipolar depression but must be monitored as not to cause mania at the opposite end as a result. Taking DHEA in these cases may be intermittent and taken for periods of time followed by abstinence if manic symptoms develop.
• If you suffer from PTSD, do not take DHEA. Promotion of testosterone for example can increase the feelings of agitation
•  If you have issues with anger-management, do not use DHEA because it can cause irritability and edginess varying from individual to individual
• If you have a mood disorder, discuss using this supplement with your health care provider before starting DHEA to see if it would benefit you
• If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) DHEA may make this condition worsen. Use the hormonal blood test panel as a guide to use.
• If you need to target which hormones you may be lacking, the best way to determine this is by taking a blood test for DHEA levels and supplement accordingly. Keep your blood test record as a baseline so that when retested in 2 or more months, you will be able to know whether your dosage taken is effective or if adjustments need to be made.