• Hey there, welcome to Talk Mental Health – a cozy corner where we're all about mental health, wellness, and just being real. This is your spot to connect with a community that gets it, where we're all on this journey together. Whether you're navigating tough times or lending a listening ear, we've got your back. No judgment, just genuine support. Step in, take a deep breath, and let's make this a space where we lift each other up. Glad you're here!
  • While Talk Mental Health offers a platform for peer support and shared experiences, it is not a substitute for professional mental health assistance. If you find yourself in genuine danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to qualified professionals. In the UK, you can contact emergency services by dialing 999. For non-emergency support, consider reaching out to organizations like Samaritans at 116 123. In the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). For support in Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Your well-being is our priority, and seeking professional help is a crucial step towards your mental health journey.

Symptoms of Low DHEA Levels


I've been taking DHEA since my early 60's and I'm 83 and take no other type hormones. A doctor tested me back then and I was in decline with DHEA.

Overview​


Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

A synthetic version of DHEA is available as a tablet, capsule, powder, topical cream and gel.


People use DHEA as an anti-aging therapy and to improve physical performance. DHEA is also used to treat depression and symptoms of menopause.

Evidence​


Research on DHEA for specific conditions includes:

  • Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far research hasn't proved this to be true. More studies are needed to better understand whether DHEA supplementation can counteract some of the effects of aging. A small study suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly adults.
  • Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo, especially in people with low DHEA levels.
  • Osteoporosis. Study findings on the effects of DHEA supplementation in the treatment of osteoporosis are mixed. More research is needed to determine whether taking DHEA supplements improves bone density in older adults with low DHEA.
  • Vaginal atrophy. Limited research suggests that DHEA might improve vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.

Research on the effects of DHEA on muscle strength and physical performance had mixed results, but most studies indicate DHEA supplementation has no effect on muscle strength in younger or older adults. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has banned DHEA use among athletes.

DHEA might eventually prove to have benefits in treating people diagnosed with certain conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency and lupus. However, further studies are needed.

Studies have shown quality control of this supplement to often be low.

Our take​

Red light: Avoid

Avoid​

While some research suggests that DHEA might be slightly helpful in treating depression and vaginal atrophy, there's little evidence to support anti-aging claims. Also, DHEA use can cause serious side effects. Avoid using this supplement.

Safety and side effects​


DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA.


Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart (ischemic heart disease). DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels.

Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders.

DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).

Interactions​


Possible interactions include:

  • Antipsychotics. Use of DHEA with antipsychotics such as clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz, others) might reduce the drug's effectiveness.
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others). Use of DHEA with this drug used to treat seizures, nerve pain and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness.
  • Estrogen. Don't use DHEA with estrogen. Combining DHEA and estrogen might cause symptoms of excess estrogen, such as nausea, headache and insomnia.
  • Lithium. Use of DHEA with lithium might reduce the drug's effectiveness.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Use of DHEA with this type of antidepressant might cause manic symptoms.
  • Testosterone. Don't use DHEA with testosterone. Combining DHEA and testosterone might cause symptoms such as low sperm count and enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) and the development of typically male characteristics in women.
  • Triazolam (Halcion). Using DHEA with this sedative might increase the effects of this drug, causing excessive sedation and affecting your breathing and heart rate.
  • Valproic acid. Use of DHEA with this medication used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness.

DHEA Restoration Therapy from Life Extension


Summary and Quick Facts for DHEA Restoration Therapy​

  • Aging disrupts hormonal balance, with the levels of several critical hormones dramatically reduced in comparison with youthful levels. DHEA is no exception. By age 80, levels of DHEA fall by as much as 80%-90% compared to what they were during young adulthood.
  • This protocol provides information concerning DHEA and its diverse benefits in the human body. As a precursor to androgens (male hormones) and estrogens (female hormones), DHEA plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of hormonal balance and youthful vitality.
  • Restoring youthful DHEA levels provides a unique opportunity to mitigate the consequences of dwindling hormones. Unlike direct administration of androgens (e.g., testosterone replacement therapy) or estrogens (e.g. estrogen replacement therapy), bolstering DHEA levels provides a reservoir of this hormone precursor that various tissues can convert into androgens and estrogens.

What is DHEA Restoration Therapy?​

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone with many biological roles. DHEA is a precursor to the sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) as well as having many functions independent of sex hormones. DHEA levels tend to decline with age, and loss of youthful hormone balance—and DHEA in particular—is linked with many age-associated diseases. Restoring youthful DHEA levels may help prevent or improve outcomes of several conditions.
DHEA levels (usually measured as the metabolite DHEA-S) should be monitored as part of a healthy aging strategy for both men and women. DHEA can be an integral part of a comprehensive hormone replacement regimen.

What are Risks of Low DHEA Levels?​

  • Cognitive decline
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Bone loss
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Inflammation and inflammatory disorders

What are the Potential Benefits of DHEA Restoration?​

  • Improved cognitive function and mood
  • Increased bone mineral density
  • Enhanced cardiovascular health
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Enhanced immune function
  • Youthful skin restoration
  • Improved sexual function in men and women
  • Decreased levels of inflammatory markers
  • Increased longevity
  • A metabolite of DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA, has been linked with improved metabolism
Note: Concerns have been raised regarding DHEA supplementation and hormone-sensitive cancers. To date, no study has convincingly shown an increased risk of hormone-dependent cancer in people supplementing with DHEA. As always, anyone with a medical condition should consult their doctor before beginning a new supplement or medication.


There is more info from the above link.
 
This seems like an interesting drug, I would never take it without a prescription tho. Are there any common side effects?
 
This seems like an interesting drug, I would never take it without a prescription tho. Are there any common side effects?
Never say Never, I've been taking it for over 20 yrs and usually buy Life Extension product. Good to get levels tested but if you are over 20 yrs of age, DHEA is on the decline. I was 60 when a doc tested me...II still take it at 83.

Read the info on any side effects. I posted a lot of info.
 
Top