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DHEA
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Hormones are small powerful molecules that influence every cell in the body and are necessary for proper health and even life itself. Health disorders can occur when the ratio of hormon
Synthesized from botanical extracts, this supplement provides 50 milligrams per capsule of Dehydroepiandrosterone guaranteed to be made from the finest pharmaceutical grade DHEA available. Not a yam extract.
erol, diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, immune disorders and chronic fatigue. The hormone is also being explored for potential benefits in the aging process.
Of particular interest is the effect of DHEA on the burning of fat in the body. Laboratory use suggests that DHEA may be the only substance, which could actually reduce the level of fat in the body without a change in the diet. DHEA appears to have the ability to convert consumed calories into heat rather than allowing them to be stored as fat. While it burns the fat, DHEA may also promote lean muscle tissue.
The role of DHEA may also be of interest to athletes. Research has shown a direct connection between the level of DHEA and other hormones such as testosterone in the body. It appears that as DHEA levels are increased in the body, the production of other hormones is elevated.
DHEA levels in the body peak at around age 20 and begin to drop in most individuals from that point on. It is estimated that by age 80, DHEA levels drop by approximately 95%. DHEA is the only hormone to decline in linear fashion in both sexes. Studies suggest that as DHEA levels drop, medical problems increase. For this reason, many scientists feel DHEA is the most dominant hormone in the body. Despite a lack of knowledge in the past, increased research on DHEA may prove invaluable in the search of cures for the ills that plague mankind.
DHEA DOSING AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A DHEA (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 three to four hours after the last dose. DHEA testing may 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 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, 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.
Dosage and use:
- For optimal results, take 25mg to 100mg early in the day.
- Taking DHEA with fat or an oil capsule enhances absorption.
- DHEA serum blood tests are suggested 3 to 6 weeks after initiating DHEA replacement therapy to optimize individual dosing.
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