| 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. See the Male Hormone Restoration chapter
in the Disease Prevention and Treatment book for
additional hormone balance testing that can be done at the
same time serum DHEA and PSA levels are being tested.
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. Women taking
DHEA should refer to the Female Hormone Restoration chapter
in the Foundation’s Disease Prevention and Treatment
book for information about restoring youthful hormone
balance.
DHEA supplementation
The Life Extension Buyers Club offers DHEA supplements that
conform to the following specifications:
- 99.9% purity (European-derived DHEA)
- Micronized (for maximum absorption
and utilization)
- Manufactured under GMP (Good
Manufacturing Practice) conditions
|
