From the HRT section...
DHEA Supplementation
Dehydroepiandrosterone: DHEA
As presented by Dr. Neal Rouzier, M.D.
Here's a great reason to add DHEA to your protcol.
DHEA is a hormone secreted primarily by the adrenal glands. It results in a shift of a catabolic state to an
anabolic or protein building state.
It reduces cardiovascular risks by increasing lipolyses (decrease visceral fat).
It stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves moods, decreases cholesterol and body fat.
It improves memory, increases energy, and has anti-cancer properties by enhancing the immune system.
It is an endocrine precursor to other hormones, prevents immuno-senescence, loss of sleep, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis.
DHEA reduces insulin requirement
Adrenal hormone anabolic vs. catabolic metabolism
Restores immunity
Prevents osteoporosis, increases bone density
Prevents cancer in lab animals
Prevents diabetes & heart disease
Decreases visceral fat
Improves mood & well-being
Improves energy & memory
Slows aging process in lab animals
Prevents lipid peroxidation =
antioxidant
Endocrine precursor to T.P.E.
7-keto DHEA is not a precursor to other HRT = avoid
Neurotransmitter (recently discovered)
Presently pending FDA approval for Lupus (Prasterone)
Clinically substantiated uses of DHEA include replacement for:
Low DHEA levels
Chronic disease
Adrenal exhaustion or corticosteroid therapy
SLE
Improving bone density
Improving depression & mood disorders
Enhancing immune response by activating T-cells
Improving well-being
Decreasing cardiovascular risk
Improving erectile dysfunction
Anyone over 40
DHEA has never been shown to reverse the aging process
Nevertheless DHEA is important for preventive medicine
DHEA inhibits synthesis of thromboxane A2, reduces plasminogen activator inhibitor, and tissue plasminogen activator
– all decreasing platelet aggregation and ischemia.
Administraiton:
Men<200lb: 50mg AM
Men>200lb: 75-100mg AM
Women <50yo: 10-15mg AM
Women >50yo: 25mg AM
IMPORTANT:
DHEA Serum Levels
MEN
Range 100-600
Optimal 500-600
WOMEN
Range 50-300
Optimal 200-250
Higher levels in women predispose them to side effects – therefore stay low
Monitor monthly until optimal
Assure correct dose and compliance
Measure DHEA-S and not DHEA
Side effects: acne, hirsutism
Tx: Lower dose or take QOD Spironolactone 100 mg/day
Contraindicated in sex hormone responsive tumors – breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate
Conversion to T.P.E.?
DHEA raises
testosterone levels in women slightly, yet not in men
DHEA raises estradiol slightly in men
Indications:
Over age 40 for health protection
Preventive medicine and well-being
Symptoms of aging, mood & depression
‘Cause the medical literature suggests it if we want to live longer, happier, healthier
DHEA – S04
MEN Blood levels
Optimal : 500-600 ug/ml
Side effects rare in men
WOMEN
Optimal : 200-250 ug/ml
Dose based on side effects
Side effects very common in women
DHEA Dose
MEN
Capsule – SR micronized
50 mg Q am
>200 lbs – 75 - 100 mg Q am
WOMEN
Capsule – SR micronized
10 mg Q am if over 40
15 mg Q am if over 50
25 mg Q am if over 60
If under age 40, do not prescribe due to sensitivity causing side effects.