J. Douglas Bremner
See book keywords and concepts |
 Studies have not shown that dhea prevents the changes in body mass and chemistry that occur with normal aging. dhea does not have effects on measures of body composition affected by aging, like muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, and oxygen consumption or on quality of life.22 Studies have shown that dhea improves feelings of well-being and is useful in the treatment of depression. However, dhea does not work better than antidepressants. I do not recommend dhea for the treatment of depression or for any other indication. |
| Since dhea blocks the effects of stress hormones like Cortisol and has a protective effect on neurons in animal models, it has been described as an antistress and antiag-ing hormone. dhea, since it is a precursor of testosterone, is being used by athletes to build muscle mass, but it is not very effective for this purpose. dhea is also promoted for the prevention of normal aging. Studies have not shown that dhea prevents the changes in body mass and chemistry that occur with normal aging. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 In a woman, 90 percent of dhea comes from the adrenal glands; the remaining 10 percent is manufactured by the ovaries. Our dhea level peaks at age 25 and then declines gradually to only 15 to 20 percent of our maximum by the time we turn 70.
Many claims have been made about DHEA's effect on the immune system, and its anti-aging properties are said to include better memory, less fatigue, more energy, relaxation, and increased ability to handle stress. It is also touted as having positive effects on bone density and helping to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. |
J. Douglas Bremner
See book keywords and concepts |
| Studies have shown that dhea improves feelings of well-being and is useful in the treatment of depression. However, dhea does not work better than antidepressants. I do not recommend dhea for the treatment of depression or for any other indication.
CREATINE
Creatine, an oral supplement that increases muscle phosphocreatine, a molecule that stores energy in muscle, is commonly used by high school athletes to enhance their athletic performance. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Few adverse effects have been reported with dhea, although in women, androgenic side effects such as facial hair growth and acne can occur with doses as low as 50 mg. A dose of 25 mg daily may be more appropriate.182 I typically give 5 to 20 mg per day to women who are either low in dhea according to test results or to women with fatigue, loss of vitality, and/or low sex drive.
DHEA
5-50 mg per day Exercise
The benefits of exercise for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are wide and deep. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
 The age-related decline in dhea, testosterone, and estrogen is believed to protect against the increasing occurrence of hormone-sensitive cancers.
In aged adults, the use of dhea as a dietary supplement is of potential concern in that its testosterone or estrogenic actions may stimulate the growth of cancer cells within the prostate or breast. Controversy remains as to whether dhea enhances or reduces the risk of prostate and breast cancer. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| It is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans. dhea is called a precursor hormone because it is produced in large amounts in the body and other steroid hormones are made from it, including estrogen and testosterone. In a woman, 90 percent of dhea comes from the adrenal glands; the remaining 10 percent is manufactured by the ovaries. Our dhea level peaks at age 25 and then declines gradually to only 15 to 20 percent of our maximum by the time we turn 70. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| Although dhea has been reported to increase breast cancer cell proliferation via androgen receptors, studies in small animals suggest that dhea prevents cancer progression. [Endocrinology 146: 4565-4567, 2005]
Until more is known, dhea supplements should be continuously used by prostate cancer patients.
Brachytherapy: implantation of radioactive seeds
Brachytherapy is now an often performed procedure when a prostate tumor is discovered. This procedure is usually performed by a urologist and/or a radiation oncologist who insert tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. |
Steven V. Joyal
See book keywords and concepts |
 Experimental studies in both animals and humans show that dhea supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and reduces obesity, while other animal studies indicate that dhea increases beta-cell mass and improves glucose-dependent insulin secretion in aging.
Published study data indicate that testosterone improves insulin sensitivity in men. This suggests that DHEA's conversion into testosterone may be at least partly responsible for the beneficial effects it has on insulin function. |
| Research suggests that dhea improves glucose metabolism by increasing glucose uptake by cells as well as by decreasing the gene expression of certain enzymes involved in glucose production in the liver. Experimental studies in both animals and humans show that dhea supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and reduces obesity, while other animal studies indicate that dhea increases beta-cell mass and improves glucose-dependent insulin secretion in aging.
Published study data indicate that testosterone improves insulin sensitivity in men. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 The age-related drop in dhea levels parallels the development of a number of common degenerative syndromes, such as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, declining immunity, and depression, and is associated with an increased risk of cancer. In older women, the production of dhea declines and that of Cortisol, a stress hormone, rises. People with low levels of dhea and high levels of Cortisol are more likely to suffer dementia.
Taking dhea seems to have the ability to improve the overall sense of well-being of postmenopausal women. |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
See book keywords and concepts |
 One more ingredient that stands out is prasterone (dehydroepiandrosterone, dhea), a naturally occurring pro-hormone rhat in the body is converted primarily to androgens (male steroids) and to a lesser degree estrogens. As an oral supplement, dhea is controversial because long-term use has been associated with women developing secondary masculine traits, liver damage, disrupted menstrual cycles, and defects in fetuses, and, for men, with decreased sperm count. More superficial risks include hair loss, acne, and weight gain. |
C. W. Randolph, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Double-blind clinical trials have found 100 mg per day of dhea to be effective in decreasing body fat in older men. Conversely, when the body's dhea levels are insufficient, body fat is more difficult to budge.
Recently, a female patient named Shirley complained that she had gained fifteen pounds in the last nine months. She said she wouldn't be unhappy if she could only spread some of those pounds around to her "stick-skinny legs" or to her arms or chest. The problem was that all fifteen pounds had attached themselves to her middle. |
| Because 7-keto dhea is a natural hormone metabolite, it benefits the body in two ways: it helps to restore hormone balance while also working internally to melt away those unwanted pounds.
/ TAKE 100 MG OF 7-KETO dhea PER DAY, ONE CAPSULE EVERY MORNING.
Chitosan
Chitosan, which is processed from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp, lobster, and crab, acts as a super fiber. Its swelling action creates a sensation of feeling full, thereby serving to suppress the appetite. |
Dan Buettner
See book keywords and concepts |
 I asked, thinking about dhea supplements, precursors to sex hormones (androgens and estrogens), which some believe can slow the effects of aging.
"Yes, but it doesn't work that way. The supplements are not the same as the hormones your body generates. dhea probably has no effect on age-related changes in body composition and function."
Soy products that contain phytoestrogens are probably better than hormone supplements, he said. Some researchers speculate that they may impart many of the benefits of estrogen without the cancer dangers. |
| Robert Butler: dhea, human growth hormone, and melatonin are all extremely questionable, and are probably ill-advised. Using human growth hormone in human beings bulks them up. But it does not just mean more muscle mass. With it can come hypertrophy of the heart, fluid retention, and other problems. And of course there's a disease, acromegaly, which is actually characterized by an excess of human growth hormone. dhea is what's for years been called the "junk hormone." In large quantities in our bodies, it converts to both testosterone and estrogen. |
Tori Hudson, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| I typically give 5 to 20 mg per day to women who are either low in dhea according to test results or to women with fatigue, loss of vitality, and/or low sex drive.
DHEA
5-50 mg per day Exercise
The benefits of exercise for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are wide and deep. Women can receive substantial reductions in cardiovascular disease,183 a reduced risk of breast cancer,184 an increase in bone density,185 a lower-Sample Treatment Plan for Hot Flash Symptom Relief
Diet:
Follow a whole foods diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. |
Steven V. Joyal
See book keywords and concepts |
| We strongly recommend that you have your dhea levels checked several weeks after starting supplementation to make sure your levels are in an optimal range. The typical dose for dhea supplementation is 15 to 75 mg daily, taken in the early morning.
Magnesium
People with metabolic dysfunction and diabetes are very often deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is used by all the cells in the body and is especially involved in supporting the relationship between glucose metabolism and insulin. Low levels or an obvious deficiency can worsen insulin resistance. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| DHEA produces about 50% of the testosterone in the prostate gland. [Journal Endocrinology 187: 169-96, 2005] But why then don't adults develop breast and prostate cancer earlier in life? [American Journal Physiological Endocrinological Metabolism 288: 573-84E, 2005]
Since dhea is widely available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement and is widely used as an anti-aging remedy, there is concern that it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells in the prostate and breast. |
Jack Challem
See book keywords and concepts |
 Cortisol also suppresses levels of the hormone dhea, and low dhea appears to speed the aging process. In addition, chronically elevated Cortisol levels will raise insulin levels, which promote belly fat and abnormal blood sugar fluctuations, as well as increase the risk of diabetes.
How Theresa Quelled Her Anxieties with Equine Therapy
Theresa had been sexually abused as a child and further traumatized in an abusive marriage.Ten years after her divorce, she was still wrestling with severe anxiety, especially in social situations, that medications could not completely resolve. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
| Taking dhea seems to have the ability to improve the overall sense of well-being of postmenopausal women. dhea is a precursor necessary for the production of both androgens and estrogen, and may help to fight osteoporosis. Women who use dhea supplementation report higher energy levels, an improved state of well-being, and an increased ability to cope with stress. However, dhea supplements should be taken with caution. Taking high doses can damage the liver and may suppress the body's natural ability to synthesize the hormone. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| American Journal Physiological Endocrinological Metabolism 288: 573-84E, 2005]
Since dhea is widely available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement and is widely used as an anti-aging remedy, there is concern that it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells in the prostate and breast.
The age-related decline in dhea, testosterone, and estrogen is believed to protect against the increasing occurrence of hormone-sensitive cancers. |
Jack Challem
See book keywords and concepts |
 Furthermore, as Cortisol levels go up, the hormone DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone) tends to go down. dhea, often considered an anti-aging hormone, is a precursor to our steroid hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), which decline with age.
Supplements That Might Help You to Reduce Stress
In addition to a diet of high-quality protein and high-fiber vegetables, consider trying these supplements.
• B-complex vitamins, high-potency formula (with dosages comparable to those described in chapter 10). |
Michael T. Murray and Michael R. Lyon
See book keywords and concepts |
 Two of the major causes of exhaustion are loss of potassium ions and depletion of adrenal hormones like dhea and Cortisol. Loss of potassium results in cellular dysfunction and, if it is severe, cell death. Lower levels of dhea and Cortisol are associated, with extreme fatigue, impaired blood sugar control, and a diminished response to stress. While the entire body is affected by prolonged stress, the heart, blood vessels, adrenals, and immune system are affected the most. Not surprising, prolonged stress and poor stress management are associated with many common diseases. |
Dr. Steven R. Gundry
See book keywords and concepts |
 As an example of how intricate this energy-conserving design is, as you get older, your adrenal glands produce progressively less and less dhea, a hormone responsible for stimulating muscle-mass production. Under orders from your genes, your dhea level drops as you age, causing you to lose about one-third of your muscle mass between the ages of 30 and 60. While distressing to us, the result is that you don't have to eat as much-muscles require calories-and violate rule #3: Don't compete for resources with your offspring. |
Bill Sardi
See book keywords and concepts |
| The iridologist suggested he take dhea, a hormonal supplement that helps to elevate levels of testosterone, to improve virility. Though the iridologist was well inten-tioned, his suggestion to Raul produced unwanted side effects - the roaring return of testicular cancer.
Raul and his wife were stunned to learn that dhea should never have been suggested to a cancer patient in remission from a hormonally-driven cancer. Raul was flown by family members to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston for aggressive chemo and radiation therapy. All things alternative are not necessarily harmless. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 One recent study found that when dhea was given to elderly patients with major depression, all but one improved significantly.471 The big surprise was that memory also improved significantly. The one patient that did not respond continued on the dhea, and after six months her depression rating improved 48-72 percent and her semantic memory improved 63 percent.
The brain also contains receptors for pregnenolone. This adrenal hormone, which is a precursor of dhea and other steroid hormones, also protects brain cells. |
J. Douglas Bremner
See book keywords and concepts |
| However, dhea does not work better than antidepressants. I do not recommend dhea for the treatment of depression or for any other indication.
CREATINE
Creatine, an oral supplement that increases muscle phosphocreatine, a molecule that stores energy in muscle, is commonly used by high school athletes to enhance their athletic performance. The use of supplemental creatine speeds up regeneration of adenosine triphosphate, which increases energy availability during exercise, thereby buffering lactate and reducing muscle pain. The main side effect of chronic use is weight gain. |
Email this page to a friend
