DHEA Benefit - DHEA Dosage - DHEA Information

When did DHEA become available over-the-counter?
DHEA Fact - DHEA became widely available to the public without a prescription in 1995. For more dhea information. DHEA is a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and acts as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. The body's DHEA production peaks in young adulthood and gradually declines with age; because of this, supplements of synthetic DHEA are widely marketed as an anti-aging panacea. However, there is no evidence that the use of DHEA supplements have anti-aging benefit. Perhaps DHEA may be helpful in very low dosages in certain people, but taking high amounts could lead to hair loss and other side effects.  

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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. See DHEA hormone testing. In the body, DHEA is made from Pregnenolone. You can find more information on pregnenolone.

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. Another form of DHEA is 7-Keto-DHEA.

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.

Benefits of DHEA
The benefit of a DHEA supplement is most apparent in adrenal deficiency and low levels of DHEA. The benefit from DHEA supplements (in those who are deficient) include improved sense of wellbeing, more alertness and stamina, and enhanced sexual interest and libido. For information on aphrodisiacs. Blood levels of all the steroid hormones that derive from DHEA hormone metabolism are increased when people take DHEA supplements. This potentially leads to both beneficial and harmful effects.

Additional human research indicates the following DHEA benefits:

What about DHEA side effects? DHEA Danger
Individuals with normal levels of DHEA who take high doses are likely get side effects. DHEA is a danger if used inappropriately. 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 and Immune System
Ingestion of a dietary supplement containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione has minimal effect on immune function in middle-aged men.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Oct;22(5):363-71.Click here to read Links. Kohut ML, Thompson JR, et al. Department of Health and Human Performance, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
This study investigated the effects of four weeks of intake of a supplement containing dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA ), androstenedione and herbal extracts on immune function in middle-aged men. Subjects consumed either an oral placebo or an oral supplement for four weeks. The supplement contained a total daily dose of 150 mg DHEA, 300 mg androstenedione, 750 mg Tribulus terrestris, 625 mg chrysin, 300 mg indole-3-carbinol and 540 mg saw palmetto. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to assess phytohemagglutinin(PHA)-induced lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The cytokines measured were interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1beta, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Serum free testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were also measured. The supplement significantly increased serum levels of androstenedione, free testosterone, estradiol and DHT during week 1 to week 4. Supplement intake did not affect LPS or ConA proliferation and had minimal effect on PHA-induced proliferation. LPS-induced production of IL-1beta, and PHA-induced IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, or IFN-gamma production was not altered by the supplement. The addition of the same supplement. These findings suggest that, although chronic intake of a complex dietary supplement containing DHEA, androstenedione and herbal extracts increases serum androgen levels, it has minimal effect on immune function in middle-aged men.

DHEA Palpitations
Q. I'm a very healthy individual and get physicals every 6 months with my work. Twice in the last 6 months I've had very serious heart palpitations and irregular beats that have scared me. One of these was last night. I traced my steps prior to the palpatations. One of the pills I've been taking with my vitamin supplements is DHEA and it comes in a 25mg dose from an over the counter purchase. Since that's the only relatively new drug I've taken, I decided to do some internet research and found your site. I literally began to experience palpitations withing 1 hour of taking the pill. Curiously, though, it hasn't happened everytime I've taken the pill. I had a glass of wine, which I do nightly except this time I had the DHEA not long after the wine and I believe there might be a connection there. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I suspect your research is correct and I'm quite certain in my own case that this is the problem since I pass my flight physicals and EKGs, etc with flying colors. I'm going to throw the pills away and quit taking them. I began taking them because I read after a certain age the body quits producing DHEA and I simply thought I would be supplementing something that had positive side-effects. I'm quite athletic and enjoy sports and working out so i thought it would be a postive.

Q. I recently had some blood work done. The results were bad, my cholesterol level was 259 with my hdl at 30. My triglycerides are at 1400. Can Dhea supplementation cause these readings? I take 100mg a day for some time now. I workout and lift weights at least 4 times a week.
   A. We are not aware of DHEA doing this, but then again there's a lot we don't know about high dose use of certain supplements and hormones.

Q. About four years ago during a prolonged and physically difficult experience of menopausal symptoms I consulted with a very reputable Boston endocrinologist regarding my hormones. He concluded on the basis of blood work that my DHEA level was abnormally low, putting me at risk of several major complictions including stroke and heart attack. His recommendation was that I take 50mg of DHEA which of course I did and come for blood checks every 3 months...which I also did. Within two days I felt appreciably better than I had felt in several years. It felt like a miracle cure. Time marched on and my hair began falling out. The good doctor, who I learned had more than a doctor/patient interest in DHEA (he was publishing papers on DHEA and presenting his observations at conferences) denied any causal relationship between the DHEA and my hair loss and recommended that I use the over-the-counter hair loss topical medication for male pattern baldness. But I knew something wasn't right. I returned to the Doctor and discussed with him the possibility that the hair loss which continued at an alarming rate, might be due to hypothyroidism. He dismissed this idea. At last I sought a second opinion and blood test and found out I was mildly hypothyroid. Of course I assumed that was the explanation for the hair loss. It was recommended by the consutling physician that I let some time pass before taking thyroid supplementation which I did as I watched even more hair fall out (thank goodness we have soooo much hair!!). And finally, frustrated with the second Doctor who was no more helpful than the first though less harmful, I went to a third endocyrnologist who unequivocably indicted the DHEA in the matter of the hair loss. So---unwilling to put myself at risk of an 'abnormally' low DHEA yet not wishing to loose all my hair, I cut the DHEA dosage back to 10mg daily. Regretably my third doctor has left Boston for another arena without referring his patients to another competent physician. And I am not feeling well. I have recently developed bouts of anxiousness, fatigue, perspiration, clamminess and very slight tingling, no shortness of breath or pain. I am not sure if this is related to lack of DHEA or too much DHEA.

DHEA Study 2006
The Council for responsible Nutrition (CRN) has responded to a New England Journal of Medicine published study which observed limited or no value to supplementation with DHEA. “This is the longest duration human supplementation trial confirming the safety of relatively high-dose DHEA in both men and women and we are encouraged by those results, particularly because there is a need for safe bone builders in this age group. Further, the study found small but significant increases in bone mineral density, consistent with the body of clinical trials on DHEA. The lack of other significant effects in an elderly population is surprising as that is inconsistent with the published research. This study did not look at other clinically relevant outcomes where DHEA has been to shown to provide benefit, such as libido and sexual performance.” Andrew Shao, Ph.D., Council for Responsible Nutrition

CRN Study analysis
2. DHEA in Elderly Women and DHEA or Testosterone in Elderly Men—CRN Analysis, Nair et al., October 19, 2006, vol. 355 no. 16 New England Journal of Medicine

Study design and parameters
Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study involving elderly men (n = 87) and elderly women (n = 57).
Subjects received either oral DHEA (75 mg/day, men; 50 mg/day, women), testosterone (5 mg/day, men, delivered by patch) or placebo over a 2-year period. Outcome measures included physical performance, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), glucose tolerance, serum lipid and hormone levels, adverse effects and quality of life.

Relevant findings
Both men and women receiving oral DHEA experienced a significant increase in serum levels of sulfated DHEA.
Women receiving DHEA experienced a significant increase in testosterone levels.
Men receiving low-dose testosterone therapy experienced a significant increase in testosterone levels.
There were no significant effects of DHEA in either men or women on body-composition measurements, peak volume of oxygen consumed per minute, muscle strength, or insulin sensitivity.
Men in both treatment groups experienced a significant increase in bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck.
Women who received DHEA experienced a significant increase in BMD at the ultradistal radius.
Neither treatment improved the quality of life or had major adverse effects.

Comments
This is the longest duration human supplementation trial confirming the safety of relatively high-dose DHEA in both men and women. There were no drastic changes in potentially carcinogenic hormones (testosterone and estradiol), no changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or prostate volume (indicating no increased prostate cancer in men, and no increase in breast cancer in women). An “adverse effect” often attributed to DHEA supplementation is decreased HDL levels. In this study, there was a small and statistically significant but not clinically relevant reduction in HDL levels, a finding given almost no attention by the study authors. This finding of safety is the most important outcome of this study, and should not be discounted.

Small but significant increases were observed in BMD for both men and women, a finding that is consistent with past studies using DHEA. However, the lack of significant effects on other relevant outcome measures is inconsistent with the body of evidence for DHEA in an elderly population. There are more than 60 published clinical trials on DHEA supplements and the elderly.

Study limitations
The study authors (and the accompanying editorial by Paul Stewart) downplay the effects observed on BMD in comparison to those achieved by prescription drugs, despite the desperate need for safe bone builders in this age group. The researchers failed to report the reduction in fracture rates that would be associated with the observed BMD improvement – over time, this would likely translate into a substantial decrease in fracture risk.
Regarding quality of life (QOL), the baseline scores are considered relatively high (i.e. the subjects already felt good), suggesting that there may have been little or no room for improvement, i.e. a “ceiling effect”.
Researchers did not look at other clinically relevant outcomes where DHEA has been shown to provide benefit, such as libido and sexual performance.
Also, DHEA levels have been shown to be inversely related to mortality risk in the elderly and this study did not examine mortality or morbidity risk as an outcome measure (however, the 2-year duration may have been too short to detect any differences anyway).

   Comments: We are not comfortable with the high dose use of DHEA. Cancer could develop over time, and hair loss can occur. Non hormonal alternatives should always be explored first.

DHEA questions
Q. I am a graduate student in MIT's Science Writing Program. 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 may be appropriate, and some people 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. I read a book and webpage about DHEA and pregnenolone and several other sources of info. I am planning to try DHEA before committing to any major hormone program, but a few questions arise: I read that both the adrenals and testes utilize the same pathway to produce testosterone (ie: cholesterol -> pregnenolone-> DHEA -> andro -> testosterone ). I also read that the adrenals output about 10mg of DHEA /day into the bloodstream. 1. So do the testes also output DHEA into the bloodstream? If so how much? Or in other words, what % of the serum DHEA level from my lab report is from the testes? 2. Now if I take oral DHEA, do the adrenals and testes actually input this DHEA into their chemical machinery to produce their respective end product hormones? If so, then without taking any supplemental DHEA, it seems that the very DHEA these glands produce and send out into the blood would merely be sucked back into the glands to be reused. Somewhat pointless, yes? If not, then taking supplemental DHEA wouldn't get into these glands so how or where would I increase my testosterone/androgenic output?
   A. 1. We have not come across any detailed studies regarding the precise percentage of DHEA made by the testes versus the adrenal glands, but it is predominantly the adrenal glands. 2. DHEA, when taken as a supplement, travels to all tissues in the body, including the adrenal glands, testes, brain, liver, skin, etc and has its effects in various places. Same with Pregnenolone. Before using these hormones, do read the cautions and potential side effects.

Q. I am a 21 year old male who is interested in taking DHEA for increased athletic performance. I was told by a friend that if I were to abuse the supplement my body would rely on me taking DHEA and would not produce androgens naturally. Is this true?
   A. There does not appear to be a feedback loop for DHEA production and it is likely your body would continue producing DHEA. However, DHEA has many potential dangers, including hair loss, and we strongly recommend you read the DHEA danger information.

Q. Please can you suggest a dosage of DHEA and pregnenolone to enhance ovarian function in a mid forties female. Recent research has shown that DHEA supplementation improves ovarian function and egg quality. I am wondering what dosage is suitable. I noted on one research paper that 75mg day of DHEA was ingested and there was a significant improvement in egg quality. Having read your research it seems that a much smaller dosage would be suitable. What do you think?
   A. DHEA and pregnenolone are very potent and potentially dangerous in high doses. We suggest you read the page above and discuss with your doctor. We are not in a position to offer individual advice.

Q. What's the right dosage of DHEA?
   A. The DHEA dosage needs to be individualized to each person's needs. This is based on regular evaluations of a basic physical exam, including blood pressure, heart rate, examination of hair and skin, evaluation of routine blood studies, and monitoring of mood, sleep patterns, energy levels, and motivation. Women need to have regular breast exams and Pap tests. Men need to have their prostate exam. Although blood or saliva DHEA levels are important to monitor, in the end, the important point to keep in mind is what kind of influence DHEA or other hormones are having on our brain, organs and tissues. Having said all this, it's best, until more research is done, to stay on very low DHEA dosage such 1 to 5 mg. Most people are overdosing. It's possible that taking too much of these hormones could actually shorten lifespan. DHEA and pregnenolone are not like vitamin C. More is not necessarily better. There's a smaller range to play with. I get uncomfortable when we hear of doctors prescribing 25 or 50 mg a day to their patients. I also get very nervous when I see bottles of DHEA or pregnenolone being sold over the counter in high dosages.

Q. Does DHEA lead to weight loss?
   A. Maybe if DHEA is used in high dosage, but DHEA is not a good hormone for weight loss since side effects can occur.

Q. What do you think of DHEA cream?
   A. DHEA cream is an option, however it is difficult to know exactly how much of the DHEA cream is being absorbed.

Q. Is DHEA a youth hormone?
   A. In those with low DHEA level, it is possible that careful use of low DHEA dosage could lead to better health, but in many people who misuse DHEA, the use of the hormone supplement could be counterproductive.

Q. Can you advise whether dhea supplementation would be an advantage to feminization of transsexual male under a hormone replacement therapy
that includes testosterone blockers.
   A. We do not think dhea would be suitable for the purpose of a transsexual male, it has androgenic side effects.

Q. What is your opinion of the October, 2006 Mayo Clinic study on dhea?
   A. We don't think dhea hormone replacement has been studied long enough in various dosages to determine how useful it is in terms of life extension or age related conditions. It is quite likely that high dhea dosages are counterproductive. We don't have any major issues with the Mayo clinic study on dhea and their findings.

Q. I have long wondered about the order in which one might take Pregnenolone and DHEA. Here's my concern: Since we know that Pregnenolone is a precursor to DHEA, then you have two choices: Take a few milligrams Pregnenolone and then later in the day, take some DHEA. This might be bad because some of the Pregnenolone is converted to DHEA, and then you take more DHEA, and it may be too much. Alternatively: Take a few milligrams of DHEA first, and then later in the day, take some Pregnenolone. This might be better IF there is a feedback mechanism in the biochemical pathway, which tells the body that there is some DHEA already, so the Pregnenolone is then converted into something else (it is a precursor, and can be converted into many things). Is there indeed a feedback mechanism whereby the body can sense that there is plenty of DHEA and to stop producing more? (No one has been able to answer my question so far!) If this is so, then what is the half-life of the body's detection of the DHEA? (This is important because IF indeed there is a biochemical feedback path, one would want to wait long enough for the DHEA taken to be detected, and the subsequent Pregnenolone to be converted into something else. That is good because the "something else" might be useful and necessary too.)
   A. As far as we know there is no significant feedback to DHEA production when a DHEA or pregnenolone supplement is taken. The functions of pregnenolone and DHEA overlap somewhat and it is important to take very small amounts of these hormones. We don't know at this time which is better to take DHEA, pregnenolone, or a little of both. There are still many unanswered questions, but one thing is clear, many people who take these hormones are taking too high dosages.
      Q. You write: "As far as we know there is no significant feedback to DHEA production when a DHEA or pregnenolone supplement is taken." Neither do I! Of course, I can not guarantee such a "negative feedback" Hormonal Feedback Mechanism exists, but if it did, it would work like I describe below -or very similar. You write: "The functions of pregnenolone and DHEA overlap somewhat..." Yes: Pregnenolone is a precursor to DHEA and many other things, but a person's body needs the right enzymes to convert pregnenolone to its byproducts. You write: "...and it is important to take very small amounts of these hormones." YES! They are more powerful than I initially thought -I guarantee you that, based on my personal experiences! You write: "We don't know at this time which is better to take DHEA, pregnenolone, or a little of both." I will give you MY answer, which I hope is right: It is best to take a little of BOTH, with the DHEA taken first, all in small amounts; This is because there is a chance the body may lose its ability to convert Pregnenolone to byproducts (such as DHEA) in old age: There may be a decrease in the enzyme production. (That is only a rough guess, since many things decrease in old age.) You write: "There are still many unanswered questions, but one thing is clear, many people who take these hormones are taking too high dosages." Yep! See below for my detailed analysis, based on my own research, both when I was in college and subsequently...
Before I begin with my "personal experience," I want to share with you something I found which may be helpful for you all in analyzing my feedbacks / comments - this involves "Hormonal Feedback Loops" which I hypothesize exist in this case: "These hormonal signals and their complex chemical and neural feedback loops work similarly to a home thermostat. If the door is opened and the room cools down, the sensor in the thermostat picks up the change in temperature and the heat turns back on. " "Although many steroids are produced by the testes and the ovaries, the two most important are testosterone and estradiol. These compounds are under tight biosynthetic control, with short and long negative feedback loops that regulate the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus." What I do myself is this. I used to take a lot of DHEA and Pregnenolone until I had what I think were heart flutters and possibly lightness of breath. I therefore stopped taking so much. I think it was like 25 to 50 mg of DHEA and like 50 mg of Pregnenolone per day. Ouch! (The tablets of DHEA I bought were in 25 mg size, and the Pregnenolone was in 50 mg capsules.) Since I currently have tablets of DHEA which are 25 mg, what I do is break them into half (or less) and take no more than a HALF a tablet at a time, and no more than one per day; I usually take the approximately 12.5 mg "half" tablet on weekends, sometimes Friday and Saturday, when I have plenty of time to rest, so it doesn't stress me out; I feel my body can metabolize the product if I am less stressed out. However, I do something "different," based on my research about the Hormonal Feedback Loops (which I studied in college at FSU). I make sure do THREE things when I take DHEA and Pregnenolone: (The 1st couple are not unexpected; the 3rd one is novel and possibly new to you.) #1: I take LOW amounts, as indeed these are STRONG hormones! #2: I take about 5-6 days off each time, since I typically only take them on the weekends, and not even EVERY weekend, just sometimes, when I feel I need a boost. I can't break the Pregnenolone capsules into anything smaller than 50 mg easily -it is a powder in a capsule! So, I compensate by taking only one capsule -and by taking "time off" before the next capsule. (I don't feel so bad, because Pregnenolone is more multi-talented than DHEA or most other hormones -i t is the "Grandmother of all Hormones!")
#3: However, this is what MOST people miss, and I add this, my unique finding; I make sure and take the DHEA first, and allow about 1 to 5 hours for it to metabolize before I take the Pregnenolone; The reason is obvious: Since there may be a negative Hormonal Feedback Loop for DHEA (like a thermostat, remember?), then I assume that my body is less inclined to make additional DHEA from the Pregnenolone that I subsequently take. Since the Pregnenolone can be converted into many things, this is good: The reason is that, with additional DHEA present, the precious Pregnenolone can be converted into other relevant hormones the body may need. (Now, if I took the Pregnenolone FIRST, a lot of it may be converted to DHEA, and this would waste the multi-talented Pregnenolone's ability to be converted to other hormones, which are just as important. Taking the DHEA second, instead of first, might result in too much DHEA and not enough of the other Pregnenolone's byproducts.)
    A. This is quite hypothetical, and one must first question the reasons for taking these hormones. If your body does not need the extra DHEA or pregnenolone, it does not matter the sequence they are used.

Q. I'm a 38 year old man and I exercise regularly. I do take some supplements with no side effects. I was looking in to taking DHEA unfortunately I have Herpes would DHEA cause me to have more frequent out breaks?
   A. We have not seen any research regarding the role of DHEA supplement use and herpes outbreaks.

Q. I am 59 male and fit, swimming 1.5 miles every other day and hiking up steep mountains in between with the intention of stretching the heart and Lungs each day. For the last two years I have been taking 50 mg per day DHEA and injecting HGH. both monitored with occasional blood tests to approximate the levels of a 30 year old. Two weeks ago having felt a tightness in the chest my local Dr Diagnosed a low pulse 40 and arrhythmias from an ECG. He is sending me to a Specialist Cardiologist, I am waiting for the appointment at this moment. I mentioned DHEA but he new nothing of this. I was aware of this possible side effect from an earlier article on the net it could have been from Dr. Sahelian. I have stopped both DHEA and HGH for almost two weeks. Now before my meeting with the Cardiologist I monitor my pulse and arrhythmia's with a Omron monitor. whilst lately the mornings seem fine pulse say 65 no sign of arrhythmia's late afternoons the pulse drops to 40 and arrhythmias returns. Clearly this is early days and perhaps the sudden lack of both DHEA and HGH is causing some disturbance, but I wondered if you have any experience of the time after stopping DHEA that arrhythmias typically disappears.
   A. It is difficult to say what role the HGH played in the arrhythmias. One would expect that the heart rhythm would return to almost normal after several weeks.

Q. I have been taking DHEA supplement (25 mg) daily for three days and began bleeding with severe urinary tract pain in the last two hours. Please share this information with any that need to know as I do not know how to usefully get this information out.
   A. This is the first we have heard of dhea and urinary tract bleeding in the more than ten years of receiving emails on dhea side effects.

Q. My body is super sensitive to anything I take so I have to be careful of negative side effects, even at low doses. A few yrs back I did the whole saliva test and went to Dr. for blood test. Both test came back very low dhea and she recommended me taking 10 mg per day but I started at 5mg for a few and lowered it to quarter tab 1x per day and still didn't feel good (body felt like estrogen effects, long heavy periods, sore breast, swollen period like abdomen etc.). I experimented 3 separate occasions at super low quarter tab 1.25 dose and got same results so no dhea for me even at a 1.25 dose!!! I was told by Dr. that my dose was too low to be feeling like this so it was in my head, and must be something I read and to stay off internet. Not true because at this time I hadn't done research yet to know dhea side effects.

Q. Can DHEA and pharmaceutical HGH be safely taken together?
   A. Only if in tiny dosages and monitored closely. Both of these hormones have side effects.

Q. May I ask your assistance? I have previously read Dr. Sahelian's DHEA: A Practical Guide. In addition, I also read the Regelson Colman Cherniske books on DHEA. Most of them were written about ten years ago. The big problem at that time was that, while DHEA for sure provided incredible benefits for rodents, there were not any long-term live clinical trials to determine whether the same benefits would accrue to humans. Now ten years later, have there been any long-term live clinical trials that would shed light on how DHEA supplementation affects humans? If so, where may I access such reports. Thanks.
   A. There still have not been any long term studies with DHEA to determine how supplementation at various dosages influence life span or its influence on heart disease or cancer. We believe that DHEA could be dangerous in high dosages, and to be on the safe side long term dosing should not exceed 5 mg a day perhaps even 1 or 2 mg.

Q. I was put on to DHEA 10 months ago by a medical doctor, who after blood test , said my DHEA levels, were extremely low. He prescribed 20 mg of DHEA, to be split into 2 doses i.e.. 10mg in the morning and 10mg in the evening. I found that the evening tablet, made my sleeping at night very restless, so decided to stop the evening tablet. Other than the fitful sleeping I felt really great. I lost a great deal of weight, become much leaner and my muscle definition was more pronounced. The Results seemed positive. After a 2nd visit, about 4 months later, the doctor asked, that I again try and take a dose at night but this time, introduced a 5mg capsule. I did what was recommended and found it had no effect on my sleeping, in fact seemed to help. Perhaps I should inform you that I am 51 years old. In good health, eat well and sensibly and do a good deal of exercise. I am post menopausal and use an HRT replacement patch, prescribed by a gynaecologist. Three months ago, after increasing the RHEA to 15 mg, I began to notice a significant change in the thickness of my hair. This has become progressively worse and although I started taking, significant amounts of vitamins for hair, skin and nails, it has continued to get worse. At a subsequent visit to my doctor , to get the results of blood test taken to re-assess my level of DHEA , I asked if my hair thinning was, in anyway, related to DHEA. The answer given, was absolutely not and in fact, my hair should be getting much thicker, as hair growth is improved by DHEA. The result of the blood test showed that my DHEA levels had risen significantly and were almost at the level, he thought was beneficial for me. I was told to try, once again, to increase the dose from 15 to 20 mg. This I did, thinking that the hair loss must be linked to my weight loss and not the DHEA. Needless to say, the hair loss continued and I became increasingly concerned. It was then, I decided to consult the internet and see if there was any link between DHEA and hair thinning. I came across your articles on DHEA and was horrified to read about the side effect of high dosages and the link between the DHEA and hair thinning. For your information I was also prescribed, HGH Norditropan, which I inject every night, the dosage of which, is 2 clicks. I have to say, in the Doctors defence, other than my hair loss , I feel good, however, what the long term effects of all these various hormones may be, I do not know.
   Would it be a good idea for me to take 'a hormone holiday' from DHEA? If so, can I stop taking the capsules immediately or would I have to wean myself down to nothing over time. Is there a program I should follow when coming off DHEA. Is there a good chance that my hair while return to its former thickness after coming off DHEA and what supplements would help this recovery? It is said that DHEA slows down the ageing process. Is this true? Is DHEA addictive? Are the long term effects of all the hormones I am taking dangerous?
   A. We suggest your doctor read the page on DHEA and guide you regarding the use of DHEA. In most people, DHEA can be quickly stopped without problems. It may take quite some time for hair to return to normal after DHEA use, and unfortunately some people do not have full recovery. We have not seen any long term research with DHEA supplement use that DHEA improves lifespan. DHEA is not addictive. See the cautions listed on the DHEA page regarding side effects and dangers.

Q. My doctor insists on me taking 25 to 50 mg. of DHEA in the morning-I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency and had been taking 20 mg. Cortef daily. I am on 5 mg. of Cortef currently. Nonetheless-a recent blood test for the active form or unconjugated of DHEA was in the low normal range (224ng/dL). However, my DHEA sulfate level was high-281 mcg/dl when the normal range is 25-95. Could I be overdosing with DHEA. I have been having hair loss associated with this adrenal issue.
   A. We can't give specific advice on whether your DHEA dose is too low or too high since that is the role of your physician and it would not be wise for us to interfere with your doctor's care. As a general rule, one should take the least amount of hormones that is necessary.

Q. Could you please tell me what DHEA supplements are made of? I have read that some DHEA products are made of brains from animals.
   A. DHEA is made in the laboratory, not from animal products but synthetically, usually starting with wild yam extracts.

Q. DHEA; from what I can gather on your web info, DHEA that is marketed by individual firms may be a steroid in it’s broad form, ie in the package, if the company marketing it has not completely processed it (yam extract?); or DHEA may be a precursor to steroid production in the body, if the company that is marketing it has completely processed what is in the package. Have I got it right? If the processed product is not a steroid, what is it’s name or what is it classified as?
   A. DHEA, as sold in stores on on the internet, is a steroid hormone. When you buy a product which is a DHEA supplement, it is the final hormone, not a precursor.

Q. I'm 28 years old and was told that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Sometimes, the test comes back negative, at times positive (but slightly). DHEA came out to be 1065, which is higher than 995, which is the maximum level for a female within the 28 year old bracket. How can I bring down my DHEA levels? Any suggestions? Would this ever go away or will it always stay positive? Would this affect me being conceived? Is this a diagnosis for genes alopecia, even though, i don't have it nor does any of my family.
   A. We don't know of any specific ways to reduce DHEA levels. Those with polycystic ovarian syndrome benefit from weight loss, and perhaps DHEA levels may come down when weight is reduced. Many aspects of health are improved by reducing calories. Weight loss can also enhance fertility and may reduce the rate of loss of hair if the hair loss is due to excess androgens such as DHEA.

Q. How many mg of DHEA max should I take, and how many days on/off? I'm 60, male, still surf and pump iron every other day. 5'7'' 155ibs.(was 145 and gained 10 lbs. in a month w/no dietary change). my muscles (arms and legs have turned to mush).
   A. There are many variables to be evaluated before recommending a DHEA dosage and one has to know the whole medical history, otherwise any recommendations would be based on limited information which could lead to flawed dosage suggestions.

Q. Can taking too much DHEA suppliment inhibit sexual function (rather than increase it) in terms of: Sustained erection and ejaculatory control (e.g. getting to the point of orgasm but then decreased sensation and failing to climax)? These questions are based on personal experience and anecdotal info from others who have tried the suppliment DHEA.
   A. Yes, it is possible that certain dosages or in some people DHEA supplement use can lead to problems with erection or ejaculation.





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