What is DHEA?
April 12, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally produced steroid made by the adrenal glands. It is derived from cholesterol and when metabolized in the liver, a sulfate is added converting it into DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S).
DHEA is made in greater quantities than any other hormone in the body, it reaches its peak levels while we are in our early 20’s and then begins a dramatic drop to 20% of those levels by the time we reach age 70. It is this drastic drop in the body’s most prevalent hormone that led researchers to conjecture that DHEA may play a very large role in the disease and aging process.
Clinical Use
As part of our Age Management program, DHEA is given in its oral form, and in typical doses of 25-50 mg a day for men, and less for females depending on their baseline levels.
Typically DHEA supplementation is started after the age of 40 but earlier in cases of deficiency and apparent symptoms warranting testing (chronic fatigue, and immune system disorder among others). The goal of DHEA supplementation, like all hormone addition, is not to over supplement but to gently fine tune the body’s levels. Like all hormone supplementation, we check blood levels 12 weeks after initiation of therapy to insure proper dosing.
As part of an age management program our goals are to:
– Increase quality of life
– Increase vitality and energy
– Facilitate weight loss (if needed)
– Decrease Fat
– Increase memory function
– Increase sex drive and performance
– Enhance the immune system function
– Lower overall risk of disease such as heart disease and diabetes mellitis
It must be stressed that DHEA is not a self-administering supplement, and that blood tests and careful monitoring are needed to determine proper dosage.
DHEA
April 12, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under 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.
Testosterone and Reduction in Cardiovascular Risk
April 12, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under Testosterone - Men
Researchers writing in the European Journal of Endocrinology say that “Testosterone replacement therapy reduces insulin resistance and improves glycaemic control in hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes. Improvements in glycaemic control, insulin resistance, cholesterol and visceral adiposity together represent an overall reduction in cardiovascular risk.”
Age Management Medicine
April 12, 2011 by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.
Filed under Uncategorized
You have made a decision to seek out our medical services because you are looking to increase your energy level – including sexual energy, reduce body fat, increase lean muscle, improve cognitive function, lower cholesterol, enhance mood, improve ability to handle stress, and strengthen the immune system so as to remain as disease free as possible.
We have created an experience designed to create a unique Executive Health Program for you.
It will take most of your day to undergo all necessary testing, explanation, and prescription. However, if you live close to our office, you can break this up into a few appointments.
