My DHEA Conundrum

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_My DHEA Conundrum_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/myblog/My-DHEA-Conundrum.html)

_http://www.ei-resource.org/myblog/My-DHEA-Conundrum.html_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/myblog/My-DHEA-Conundrum.html)

by Matt

 

 

Around 7 years ago I had a test done called the Adrenal Stress Index

(ASI). This test measures levels of the adrenal hormones cortisol and _DHEA_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/#) in saliva samples taken at various points

throughout the day. Multiple samples are needed to get an accurate picture of

cortisol levels as they vary considerably during the day in everyone.

My ASI results indicated that my cortisol level was low in the afternoon

then climbed too high at night while my DHEA level was borderline low. I was

seeing a chronic fatigue syndrome specialist at the time and she suggested

my results warranted a trial of an oral DHEA supplement.

At the time I was extremely depressed and unmotivated (exactly what you'd

expect with low DHEA!) and as a result of that, and the fact I didn't

recognize the importance of adrenal hormones in CFS, I didn't take my doctor's

advice.

Then, in 2004, when my mental outlook had improved somewhat through other

means and I was feeling more motivated to take action, I decided it was

time to give DHEA supplements a go. I had also read a lot more by then about

the adrenal connection to CFS and related conditions. My doctor had

suggested a dose of 25mg daily so I ordered some online from the US (DHEA is

not

available over the counter in the UK).

After only a few days I started to feel that something good was happening,

I felt happier and more relaxed. After a week or two I was totally amazed

by the effect this one small capsule was having. The following _symptoms_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/#) /conditions were hugely improved:

* _Depression_ (http://www.ei-resource.org/#)

* Anxiety

* Irritability

* Insomnia

* Hypoglycemia

* Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

In addition, I felt less fatigued, had _more energy_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/#) , and was far more able to cope with stress in a

positive way.

The DHEA story is currently far from complete and there is much still to

learn about its functions. It is known to be one of the most abundant

hormones in the body and a great deal of research is currently underway into

its

use in specific diseases. The most positive results so far have been seen

in adrenal insufficiency, depression, obesity, and systemic _lupus_

(http://www.ei-resource.org/#) . Further evidence has suggested benefits in

chronic

fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's _disease_ (http://www.ei-resource.org/#) ,

cardiovascular disease, and a long list of others (Source: The Mayo Clinic).

It seems I experienced all of the possible benefits. The news was not all

good however, the DHEA ended up having a negative impact on my liver,

causing toxic hepatitis. Any steroid such as DHEA and cortisol can be toxic to

the liver in sufficiently high dosages as they require extensive metabolism.

The dose of DHEA required to affect my liver function was very low as I

had an existing problem. I had previously had the same problem when taking

the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin for only one week. So most people will probably

not have the same problem on sensible doses of DHEA, but the potential is

there.

There are also other potential problems associated with taking DHEA. Most

of these are due to DHEA being converted into the sex hormones testosterone

and estrogen. One of the most worrying symptoms is hair loss, particularly

in women. Men have reported increased body hair and behavioural/mood

changes such as feelings of aggression.

The problem is most likely that the dosages people are taking is way too

high. It is hard to find DHEA in less than 10mg capsules/tablets and most

products contain 25, 50, or 100mg. Contrast this with popular physician and

author Dr. Ray Sahelian's recommendation of no more than 5mg per day! DHEA

is a powerful steroid hormone that needs to be used very carefully,

preferably under the supervision of a knowledgeable doctor.

My liver function has now recovered and I am about to try DHEA

supplementation again. This time I will be using much lower dosages, starting

at 2mg,

which I intend to take every other day rather than every day. I previously

found that this maintained the positive effects anyway and will give my

liver twice as long to deal with things. I also suspect that the benefits will

be seen at a much lower dose than the 25mg I took originally.

Since I took DHEA originally I have discovered a number of other

supplements which have powerful protective effects on the liver so I will take

these

concurrently with the DHEA. These supplements include L-Carnitine and

various hepatoprotective and bile stimulating herbs.

It is my hope that doing things this way will mean I will be able to enjoy

DHEA's multiple benefits without any adverse effects. I certainly consider

it worth trying as it has the potential to make me feel a lot better and

allow me to be much more productive.

I will keep you updated with how I am getting on!