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 extension effects of DHEA.

It has been shown that the hormone DHEA often declines 80-90% by age 70 or later, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect one’s quality of life. Peak blood levels of DHEA occur at approximately age 25, decreasing progressively thereafter. 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, thousands of 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.1*

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.2 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.3-4*

In still another investigative study doctors noted that DHEA is one factor that determines lumbar spine density in aging men.5 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.6*

The Life Extension Buyers Club DHEA supplement conforms to the following specifications:

• 99.9% purity (European-derived DHEA)
• Micronized (for maximum absorption and utilization)
• Manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions

DHEA dosing and safety precautions
The Life Extension Foundation has been investigating DHEA for more than 20 years. Life Extension’s DHEA directions for use are specially drafted to provide optimal, but safe dosing.

A DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) blood test may be taken three to six weeks after initiating DHEA supplementation regimen to help determine optimal dosing. 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 DHEA-S. The DHEAS is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood.

The youthful ranges of DHEA are as follows (mcg/dL):

People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100.

Some people obtain a baseline DHEA-S blood test before beginning DHEA supplementation. However, based upon numerous DHEA blood tests evaluated by the Life Extension Foundation, anyone over 40 who does not supplement with DHEA is already deficient in serum DHEA.* Therefore it may be more economical to have the first DHEA blood test three to six weeks after initiating DHEA. There are precautions that should be observed that are different for men and women.

Dosage and Use

Generally, take one to four capsules in the morning and/or afternoon. 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. Do not take in the evening as it could interfere with sleep.   Refer to Life Extension Foundation’s DHEA precautions or the DHEA Replacement Therapy chapter in the Disease Prevention and Treatment book before taking this product.

Warnings