Monograph

Weakened immunity, mood imbalances, anxiety, fatigue, increased fat mass, and poor memory function may result from DHEA deficiency. As a vital steroid hormone, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is the precursor to other hormones, like testosterone and estrogen. Unfortunately, DHEA production starts to decline in your mid-thirties, leading to a deficiency that can make you feel mentally and physically exhausted. Supplementing with NUTRAscriptives® DHEA can help a wide range of “feel good” benefits, including sustained immunity, energy, and cognitive function.
 

Description

DHEA, the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, brain and gonads. NUTRAscriptives® DHEA is micronized for enhanced absorption.

Research

Anti-Aging

The aging process can be strongly associated with a drop in DHEA levels. An analysis of DHEA levels among 103 elderly women found that an age-related reduction in DHEA, increases the occurrence of age-related illnesses.[1]

A twelve-month study analyzed the effects of 25 mg per day of oral DHEA administration on adrenal function in postmenopausal women. The study found DHEA supported adrenal function and significantly decreased cortisol response.[2]

Energy

Researchers found that low DHEA levels could be linked to fatigue among patients with autoimmune conditions suggesting DHEA supplementation may improve energy.[3] Similarly, another study found a reduction in DHEA levels led to persistent exhaustion, weakened immunity, and increased inflammation.[4]

Mood Enhancer

DHEA can be an effective aid in improving a poor mood. A double-blind study of 46 men (n=23) and women (n=23) took either 90 mg per day of DHEA for three-weeks followed by 450 mg/day for three-weeks or a placebo for six-weeks. Researchers found DHEA supplementation was effective in enhancing mood for men and women.[5]

A similar study that administered 90 mg/day of DHEA, or a placebo, for six-weeks to 22 patients with a low mood had an increased sense of well-being.[6] Similarly, mood imbalances, anxiety, and sad feelings have been shown to improve with 100 mg per day of DHEA for six weeks.[7]

Immune Support

Immune function can be weakened when DHEA levels decrease. One study reviewed the connection between low immunity and low DHEA levels among elderly men finding that a twenty-week administration of 50 mg per day of DHEA significantly improved the immune system.[8]

Body Composition

Approximately 80% of DHEA levels decline between 25 and 75 years old.[9] This dramatic decline can affect muscle mass and strength. A ten-month study analyzed the effects of DHEA on restoring muscle mass and strength in elderly subjects, along with the addition of weight training in the last four-months of the study. In combination with weight training, researchers found that DHEA improved muscle mass and strength. Yet, DHEA did not affect the muscle when administered without weight training.[10]

Research has found DHEA may play a role in reducing the accumulation of abdominal visceral fat. A double-blind study recruited 56 elderly subjects with low DHEA levels to take 50 mg per day of DHEA or a placebo for six months. Results indicated abdominal visceral fat significantly decreased and insulin sensitivity increased in the DHEA group, in comparison to the placebo group.9

Reduce Chronic Inflammation

A 24-week, double-blind study of 120 women with autoimmune ailments found 200 mg per day of DHEA was well-tolerated and reduced inflammation and pain associated with autoimmune weaknesses.[11] Another study found DHEA improved quality of life for women with negative moods and emotions associated with autoimmune ailments.[12]

Bone Health

DHEA has shown evident results in maintaining bone mineral density. A study of 225 healthy adults between 55 and 85 years old discovered 50 mg per day of DHEA taken for one year restored DHEA levels to the normal concentration of young adults. Furthermore, it moderately increased bone mineral density in female subjects' lumbar spine.[13]

A similar study gave 50 mg per day of DHEA to elderly subjects for six-months and monitored the effects on bone mineral density and body composition. The study concluded that restoring DHEA levels can reasonably support bone mineral density and decrease fat mass.[14]

Neurological Function

High levels of DHEA circulate throughout the brain offering protection from negative cognitive conditions. Restoring DHEA levels can contribute to favorable mental function. DHEA levels were measured in 295 women, between the ages of 21 and 77, finding higher DHEA levels are associated with optimal memory, concentration, and overall brain function.[15]

DHEA can also improve memory, cortisol levels, and mood in young men. A double-blind study administered 150 mg twice per day of DHEA for seven days to healthy young men. Results indicated DHEA reduced evening cortisol levels, improved memory, and a positive mood.[16] There is also evidence that DHEA can improve memory capacity that declines under stressful situations.[17]

Cardiovascular Health

High insulin and cortisol levels, in relation to low DHEA levels can negatively affect the aging process and heart health. Hormonal ratios need to be balanced to reach optimal health goals. A double-blind study of middle-aged men reviewed the benefits of DHEA on normalizing cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. The study found 150 mg/day of DHEA administered for 40 days lowered cholesterol, insulin, and glucose levels among men with cardiovascular ailments.[18]

A nine-year study entitled the Massachusetts Male Aging Study followed 1700 men between 40 to 70 years old. Men with low DHEA levels were more likely to have abnormal cardiovascular health.[19]

A Canadian study reviewed the effects of vitamin E and DHEA as potential defenses against blood vessel oxidation. Researchers found vitamin E was unsuccessful in restoring normal blood cholesterol levels, but DHEA was able to deter the formation of oxidation associated with unstable cholesterol levels.[20]

Additional Information - Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Men - 25 mg to 100 mg per day

Women - 5 mg to 25 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

DHEA should not be used by individuals with a history of prostate, uterine, ovarian or breast cancer. Diabetics should carefully monitor blood sugar levels, as it may alter glucose regulation. Use with caution in individuals with hepatic dysfunction or hypertension.

Women can acquire male characteristics at high doses. The more frequent side effects at high intakes (50-200 mg per day) appear to be acne, oily skin, increased facial hair, and increased perspiration. Less common problems reportedly caused by DHEA include breast tenderness, weight gain, mood alteration, headache, heart arrhythmias, and menstrual irregularity. However, causes other than DHEA supplementation could not be ruled out.

Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before supplementing with DHEA if you are taking the following medications.

4-androstenedione, 4-androstenediol, 5-androstenedione, 19-4-norandrostenedione and 19-5-norandrostenediol, or testosterone replacement therapy.

Estrogen replacement therapy (Premarin, Estrace, etc.)

Medicines used to treat depression (fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa)

Medicines used for certain mental disorders (examples: fluphenazine (Prolixine), thorazine (Stelazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), clozapine (Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), lithium (Lithonate, Lithobid), loxapine (Loxitane), molindone (Moban), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel)

Medicines used for seizure disorders, certain mental problems, migraine headaches, or pain (carbamazepine (Tegretol), valproic acid (Depakote), Depakene)

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Kedziora-Kornatowska, K, Beszcynska-Oles, R, Kornatowski, T, Szadujkis-Szadurski, L. The analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentration in elderly age women depending on coexisting disease states. Adv Med Sci. 2007; 52(1): 126-130.

[2] Genazzani, AR, Pluchino, N, Begliuomini, S, Stomati, M, Bernardi, F, Pieri, M, Casarosa, E, Palumbo, M, Genazzani, AD, Luisi, M. Long-term low-dose oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone modulates adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone in early and late postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2006 Nov; 22(11): 627-635.

[3] Tellez, N, Comabella, M, Julia, E, et al. Fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis is associated with low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone. Mult Scler. 2006 Aug; 12(4):487-494.

[4] Maes, M, Mihaylova, I, De Ruyter, M. Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate but normal insulin-like growth factor in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): relevance for the inflammatory response in CFS. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Oct; 26(5):487-492.

[5] Schmidt, PJ, Daly, RC, Bloch, M, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Feb; 62(2): 154-162.

[6] Wolkowitz, OM, Reus, VI, Keebler, A, et al. Double-blind treatment of major depression with dehydroepiandrosterone. Am J Psychiatry. 1999 Apr; 156(4):646-649.

[7] Strous, RD, Maayan, R, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone augmentation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003 Feb; 60(2):133-141.

[8] Khorram, O, Vu, L, Yen, SS. Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1997 Jan; 52(1):M1-7.

[9] Villareal, DT, Holloszy, JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Nov; 292(18):2243-2248.

[10] Villareal, DT, Holloszy, JO. DHEA enhances effects of weight training on muscle mass and strength in elderly women and men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Nov; 291(5): E1003-1008.

[11] Chang, DM, Lan, JL, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of women with mild-to-moderate systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2002 Nov; 46(11):2924-2927.

[12] Nordmark, G, Bengtsson, C, et al. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplement on health-related quality of life in glucocorticoid treated female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmunity. 2005 Nov; 38(7):531-540.

[13] Von Muhlen, D, Laughlin, GA, et al. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trial. Osteoporos Int. 2008 May; 19(5):699-707.

[14] Villareal, DT, Holloszy, JO, Korht, WM. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol. 2000 Nov; 53(5):561-568.

[15] Davis, SR, Shah, SM, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are associated with more favorable cognitive function in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Mar; 93(3):801-808.

[16] Alhaj, HA, Massey, AE, McAllister-Williams, RH. Effects of DHEA administration on episodic memory, cortisol and mood in healthy young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psycholpharmacology. 2006 Nov; 188(4):541-551.

[17] Zhang, X, Dong, YL, Yang, N, et al. Effects of ning shen ling granule and dehydroepiandrosterone on cognitive function in mice undergoing chronic mild stress. Chin J Integr Med. 2007 Mar; 13(1):46-49.

[18] Rabjewski, M, Zgliczynski, W. Positive effects of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance and lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease--preliminary study. Endokrynol Pol. 2005; 56(6):904-910.

[19] Feldman, HA, et al. Low DHEA and ischemic heart disease in middle-aged men: prospective results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Am J Epidemiol. 2001; 153:79-89.

[20] Khalil, A, et al. Age-related decrease of DHEA concentrations in low density lipoproteins and its role in the susceptibility of low density lipoproteins to lipid peroxidation. J Lipid Res 2000; 41:1552-1561.