| In 1981, the Life Extension Foundation introduced DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
to its members through an article that described the multiple
benefits that this hormone might produce. However, the general
public did not learn about DHEA until 1996, when the benefits of
DHEA were touted by the news media and in several popular books.
DHEA became credible to the medical establishment when the New York
Academy of Sciences published a book entitled DHEA and Aging. This
book provided scientific validation for the many life extending
effects of DHEA.
It has been shown that the hormone DHEA often declines 40.8-72.8%
by age 70 or later, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect
one?s quality of life.1
Peak blood levels of DHEA occur at approximately age 25, decreasing
progressively thereafter.1
Thus, scientists have been looking at ways of restoring DHEA to
youthful levels, and are now discovering mechanisms by which this
hormone protects against age-related decline.
Since 1981, several hundred studies have been published on DHEA?s
possible benefits. One study investigated immune functions and DHEA
using rats as test subjects. The scientists showed that DHEA
administration to rats supports specific immune function known to be
lacking in the elderly.2*
Another study focused on the various benefits of DHEA
supplementation, and noted that DHEA?s protective effect could be of
benefit to the normal aging brain.3*
Some studies have reported DHEA may improve mood and alleviate
melancholy. In fact, as highlighted in two studies, participants
have reported that they feel better when taking DHEA.4,5*
In still another investigative study doctors noted that DHEA is
one factor that determines lumbar spine density in aging men.6*
In women, it has been shown that DHEA helps to protect bone mineral
density. DHEA?s role in supporting a healthy circulatory system and
joint/bone health was also highlighted in the Journal of the
Medical Association of Thailand.7*
DHEA precautions for men
Before attempting to restore DHEA to youthful levels, 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 it can be
converted into testosterone (and estrogen). Therefore, men are
advised to have a PSA and digital rectal exam before initiating DHEA
to rule out existing prostate disease.
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking the following other
nutrients:
| Vitamin E |
400 IU daily |
| Selenium |
200 mcg daily |
| Super Absorbable Soy
Isoflavones |
55.5 mg daily |
| Gamma E Tocopherol with
Sesame Lignans |
200 mg daily |
| Lycopene Extract |
20-40 mg
daily |
| Saw Palmetto Extract |
160 mg twice
daily |
| Pygeum Extract |
50 mg twice
daily |
| Nettle Extract |
120 mg twice
daily |
| Boron |
3-10 mg daily |
It is important for men over 40 to consult their physician to
check their PSA and DHEA-S serum levels every six to twelve months
thereafter. Men should also periodically check their blood levels
for free testosterone and estrogen to make sure that DHEA is
following a youthful metabolic pathway.
DHEA precautions for women
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking the following other
nutrients to maintain a healthy balance:
| Melatonin |
300 mcg to 3
mg nightly |
| Vitamin E |
400-800 IU
daily |
| Indole-3-carbinol |
200 mg daily |
| Vitamin D3 |
1000-1400 IU
daily |
| Gamma Tocopherol with
Sesame Lignans |
200 mg daily |
| Super Absorbable Soy
Isoflavones |
55.5 mg daily |
Women should consider estrogen and testosterone testing when they
take their DHEA blood test in order to evaluate DHEA?s effect on
their blood levels of these hormones.
Women who have been diagnosed with an estrogen-dependent cancer
should consult their physicians before beginning the DHEA
restoration process.
7-Keto DHEA, a natural metabolite of DHEA, has been shown to
safely increase thermogenesis and improving fat loss benefits of
diet and exercise three-fold.1 Antioxidants are added based on the
effect 7-Keto has in boosting mitochondrial oxidation.
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