DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

Written by Matthew Hogg October 19, 2007 Hits: 2683 Favorites

7.6

0.0 (0)

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is used by the body to make other hormones, such as the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen, and also has direct actions itself. It is thought to provide a balance to another adrenal hormone, cortisol, and together they help us respond to stress, maintain blood sugar levels, amongst other things. DHEA is associated with feelings of well-being and energy and is being investigated as a treatment for numerous diseases including adrenal insufficiency, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and obesity.

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Editor review

Amazing benefits but use with caution

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

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Reviewed by Matthew Hogg
October 19, 2007
#1 Reviewer

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Overall rating:		7.6
Perceived Effectiveness :		9.0
Lack of side effects (tolerability) :		5.0
Ease of use :		9.0
Value for money :		8.0
Would you recommend?:		7.0

I used DHEA a few years ago for a period of about 4 months at a dosage of 25mg every morning. I later reduced this to 25mg every other day and then 12.5mg every other day.

After testing borderline low for DHEA on an Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test I began taking DHEA supplements. To say the initial results were good is a major understatement. I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, chemical sensitivities, insomnia, and hypoglycemia, amongst other things. After only a week the DHEA seemed to have improved ALL of these problems significantly. I had more energy, felt happier and more relaxed, was experiencing the most refreshing sleep for 10 years, my blood sugar was a lot more stable, and reactions to chemicals were a lot less severe.

Basically, I just felt better. A lot better!

Unfortunately, much to my despair, there were quite serious side-effects. I have poor liver function at the best of times and after a few weeks I began to notice symptoms consistent with hepatitis....abdominal pain, pale stools that are painful to pass, muscle aches, yellowing of the skin etc. I had experienced the same when taking an antibiotic previously so knew the signs. It soon became clear that the DHEA was to blame so I had to drop the dose and then discontinue completely.

I did notice that the many benefits remained on the lower dosages so perhaps I started much too high.

I must add that I already knew my liver was susceptible to problems so if your liver is relatively healthy you will most likely not experience this problem. I personally did not personally note any other side-effects after 4 months such as the sex hormone related effects that are often reported.

From my experience I would say that DHEA could be a VERY helpful treatment for people with similar health concerns to myself but clearly it must be used with caution. Get your DHEA levels tested (and your liver if you have concerns) and start treatment under the care of a knowledgeable doctor. Once on DHEA keep a lookout for any undesirable changes and discuss them with your doctor.