Page 23 DHEA

DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that can be purchased over-the-counter or via the internet. Be aware that because of the power of DHEA, it, like any medication, should be prescribed only by a doctor versed in age management, and it should be purchased only from a source having a pharmaceutical grade product. Many “supplements” have little of the active ingredient needed to effect the health purposes you, as a patient, need. As such, there are many claims supporting its usage and some information on contraindications. This section will present both sides and discuss DHEA's clinical use.

Potential Positive Effects of DHEA:
- Positive effect on mental well being
- Reduction of depression and Alzheimer's disease
- Increased sex drive
- Increased blood vessel function
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Increased bone density and decrease in fracture risk
- Increased immune system function
- Reduction of obesity
- Improved insulin sensitivity (lowers insulin levels and helps in weight loss)
- Decreased fatigue
- Increased metabolism
- Decreased plasma cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
- Lowering cholesterol
- Useful for reduction of Lupus related symptoms

Potential Negatives of low DHEA
- Low blood levels of DHEA in the body may contribute to premature aging.
- Low blood levels maybe found in people with osteoporosis.
- Low blood levels maybe found in people with chronic fatigue.
- Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with multiple sclerosis.
- Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with lupus.
- Low blood levels of DHEA maybe found in people with fibromyalgia.

The negatives of superphysiologic levels of DHEA
Unchecked supplementation of DHEA without laboratory and physician supervision can lead to the following in individuals:
- Overdosing of DHEA
- May increase the risk of liver cancer
- May increase the risk of ovarian cancer
- May increase the risk of prostate cancer
- May lower "good" cholesterol
- May cause oily skin and/or acne
- May cause unwanted body hair or other "masculinizing effects" in women.

DHEA, What is it?

More to read
Hormone Supplementation	Estrogen	Progesterone	Thyroid Main Page
Testosterone - Men	Testosterone - Women	DHEA MAIN PAGE	Insulin
Pregnenolone Main Page		Melatonin Home Page	Diet and Lifestyle

Ageless - Suzanne Somers
"As my personal sports doctor, (Dr. Darrow) has never given me a drug for any of my injuries. He is of the thinking that unless a drug is necessary, it is better to allow inflammation to do nature's work." (page 130).

Marc Darrow, M.D.,J.D.,Q.M.E.
Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine. He is a world recognized specialist in many chronic disorders. He has been featured in national publications, and television and radio shows, for his innovative approach to medicine. Dr. Darrow has helped create an age management program for those individuals interested in maintaining a youthful, healthy vigor for adults through “middle age” and well into the senior years.

Patient Information
Joint Rehabilitation and Prolotherapy Information

Marc Darrow, M.D.,J.D.,Q.M.E.
Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine. He is a world recognized specialist in many chronic disorders. He has been featured in national publications, and television and radio shows, for his innovative approach to medicine. As the medical director of Joint Rehab Center, Inc. in West Los Angeles, Dr. Darrow has helped create an age management program for those individuals interested in maintaining a youthful, healthy vigor for adults through “middle age” and well into the senior years.

Why am I so driven to work in the age management field? Basically it was for my own personal, mental, and spiritual well being. Read what Dr. Darrow has to say about how he got interested in age management!

DISCLAIMER:
Neither Dr. Darrow, nor any associate of JOINT REHAB AND SPORTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC offer medical advice from this website. This information is offered for educational purposes only. Do not act or rely upon our information without seeking independent professional medical advice. The information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and Dr. Darrow or any associate of JOINT REHAB AND SPORTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC. Neither Dr. Darrow, nor any associate of JOINT REHAB AND SPORTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC guarantees the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or adequacy of any resources, information, apparatus, product, or process available at or from this website. MEDICAL MODALITIES MENTIONED ARE MEDICAL TECHNIQUES THAT MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED MAINSTREAM. AS WITH ANY MEDICAL PROCEDURE, RESULTS WILL VARY AMONG INDIVIDUALS, AND THERE COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL RISKS INVOLVED. THESE CONCERNS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO ANY TREATMENT SO THAT YOU HAVE PROPER INFORMED CONSENT AND UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES TO HEALING.

Certain studies including the Woman's Health Initiative suggest that hormone supplementation may increase the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and other ailments. These risks should be discussed with your health care professional while deciding on, implementing, or continuing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The option to use Human Identical Hormones or Bio-identical hormones should also be discussed with your medical care provider as there is not sufficient medical evidence at this time to suggest that they are safer than synthetic hormones and may pose equal risk.

If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, condition or issue, promptly contact your health care provider. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The photos in this Web site feature models for illustrative purposes.