Posted 3/16/07 |
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| NAME: | DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) | |
| DESCRIPTION: | A steroid hormone produced in the body from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of each kidney. Production of this substance peaks in the mid-20s, and gradually declines with age in most people.
DHEA is the precursor of androstenedione, testosterone and estrogen. DHEA has been used in the last thirty years or so to treat obesity, diabetes, and lupus. It has also been found to improve sleep. Many people who have taken DHEA report improved energy levels and a better sense of well-being. DHEA and HIV/AIDS: DHEA declines as AIDS develops and this decline is matched by increases in another steroid, cortisol. PWHIV are often deficient in DHEA and some with very low DHEA levels may want to use higher doses. Evidence suggests that you want to be in the "high normal" range regardless of age. Since it increases IL-2 in human cells, it may have varying effects. People with under 250 T cells may have an increased viral load, so an antiviral strategy driving HIV below detectable is strongly urged for anyone considering using DHEA (unless your T cell count is around 300-400, just to be on the safe side). |
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| FUNCTION: | May improve energy, strength, and immunity. May also increase muscle and decrease fat. | |
| DOSAGE: | If possible, have your blood or saliva level of DHEA tested first; you want to be in the "high normal" range regardless of age.
The dosage that is commonly mentioned in supplement industry literature is a dose between 25 and 100 mg for men and 15 to 50 mg per day for women. Some feel this is more rational than the much higher dosages used in some clinical trials. Some PWHIV severely deficient in DHEA may want to use a higher 250 mg dose. Dose also depends on your age, weight, current physical condition, DHEA level and gender (male/female). Since you can easily get your DHEA level measured, choose a dose, supplement with it for a few weeks, and then get retested again to see whether the dose is effective or not. Once you choose a daily dose, have your DHEA level measured every six months to make sure your dose is still placing you in an appropriate DHEA range. Modify the dose as needed. |
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| DATA: | Several studies have found that DHEA increases levels of IL-2, a chemical messenger that increases the production of CD4 (T-helper) cells, as well as improves the ability of CD8 (T-killer) cells to destroy infected cells. DHEA may help normalize the immune system. A recent study shows that DHEA can reduce depression in people with HIV. | |
| CAUTIONS: | Some people’s bodies make more estrogen and testosterone from DHEA than others. And, since testosterone may play a role in prostate cancer, and higher levels of estrogen are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, caution is advised.
Have your blood or saliva level of DHEA tested before using DHEA supplements: people with higher T-cell counts may have too much DHEA; people with KS, prostate, or breast cancer tendency/history should not take DHEA. |
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| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
A Food and Drug Administration document on DHEA for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SUPPLEMENT Vol. 1, Issue 1: "DHEA Becomes Political Hot Potato" |
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| RELATED PRODUCTS: |
7-Keto DHEA (Source Naturals) Each bottle, 60 tablets. Each tablet, 50 mg of 7-oxo DHEA sulfate (specifically, 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone). | |
| PRODUCT NOTES: | The 7-keto form apparently is not converted into either estrogen or testosterone (not that regular DHEA turns into much of either). Other studies suggest that it may help to reduce elevated cortisol levels, which can be a significant issue in HIV disease. More... | |
| DISCLAIMER: | These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. | |
