DHEA, Bone Mineral Density, Older Adults

Researchers writing in the medical journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, say that DHEA replacement therapy for one year improved hip Bone Mineral Density in older adults and spine Bone Mineral Density in older women.

Jankowski CM, Gozansky WS, Schwartz RS, Dahl DJ, Kittelson JM, Scott SM, Pelt RE, Kohrt WM. Effects of DHEA Replacement Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 May 30

Bone Loss

Estradiol, Testosterone, and Hip Fractures in Men
Researchers writing in The American Journal of Medicine say “Men with low estradiol levels are at an increased risk for future hip fracture. Men with both low estradiol and low testosterone levels seem to be at greatest risk for hip fracture.”

The Importance of Strength Training Exercises in Aging
Researchers writing in the medical journal Aging Clinical and Experimental Research say that “although aerobic exercise is important in maintaining overall health, the resistance type of muscle training may be more applicable to the basic rules of bone adaptation and site-specific effects of exercise, have more favorable effects in maintaining or improving bone mass and architecture, and be safe and feasible for older people.”

DHEA, Bone Mineral Density, Older Adults
Researchers writing in the medical journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, say that DHEA replacement therapy for one year improved hip Bone Mineral Density in older adults and spine Bone Mineral Density in older women.

Lifelong risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures in elderly women with low body mass index
Researchers writing in the medical journal Bone, evaluated the association between lifelong lifestyle factors and bone density, falls and postmenopausal fractures in elderly women with low body mass index.

Osteoporosis in Men Testosterone and Estradiol Deficiency
Researchers writing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism say that: Older men with total testosterone or estradiol deficiency were more likely to be osteoporotic. Those with osteoporosis were more likely to be total testosterone or estradiol deficient. Rapid hip bone loss was more likely in men with total testosterone deficiency.

Hip Fracture in High Risk Groups
Researchers writing in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine say “prevention of hip fracture is still inadequate in high risk patients. Discrepancy seemed to exist in treatment frequency among different high risk groups suggesting that emphasis on prevention of osteoporosis has not been reinforced in all people at risk.”

Sleep and Risk of Fractures
Researchers writing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society say that long sleep and daily napping are associated with greater risk of falls and fractures in older women

DHEA Selected Research

Relationship between serum sex steroids and Aging Male Symptoms score and International Index of Erectile Function.
“CONCLUSIONS: Although aging male symptoms and the effects of hormonal changes on these symptoms have been controversial, DHEA-S and E(2) (Estradiol) might play some important roles in the symptoms of aging men.”

Basar MM, Aydin G, Mert HC, Keles I, Caglayan O, Orkun S, Batislam E. Relationship between serum sex steroids and Aging Male Symptoms score and International Index of Erectile Function. Urology. 2005 Sep;66(3):597-601.

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in the aging male–what should the urologist know?
“CONCLUSION: Although long-term clinical trials (applying the standards of evidence-based methods) are not available at present, the consistency of the data and the extensive practical experience may justify the use of DHEA in aging men given the rules of classical endocrinology are thoroughly followed including diagnosis based on clinical picture and biochemical evidence, compliance to periodic evaluations, and individual dose adjustment to maintain serum concentrations in the physiological range of young males. Being one among other important hormonal factors, DHEA can delay and correct age-related disorders only to a certain degree

Saad F, Hoesl CE, Oettel M, Fauteck JD, Rommler A. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in the aging male–what should the urologist know? Eur Urol. 2005 Nov;48(5):724-33; discussion 733. Epub 2005 Jul 18.

Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age.
Morales AJ, Nolan JJ, Nelson JC, Yen SS. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994 Jun;78(6):1360-7.

Study: The researchers sought to test the effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DS) replacement on aging.

Noted the researchers: “…observations together with improvement of physical and psychological well-being in both genders and the absence of side-effects constitute the first demonstration of novel effects of DHEA replacement in age-advanced men and women.”

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

Study: the researchers sought to study DHEA’s effect on the human immune system.

The researchers stated: “Administration of oral DHEA at a daily dose of 50 mg to age-advanced men with low serum DHEA-S levels significantly activated immune function. While extended studies are required, our findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of DHEA in immunodeficient states.”

Coronary Disease
Dehydroepiandrosterone and coronary atherosclerosis
Herrington DM. Dehydroepiandrosterone and coronary atherosclerosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995 Dec 29;774:271-80.

Study: Researchers examined “Tissue culture, animal model, and epidemiologic studies.”

The researchers stated: (DHEA) may inhibit atherosclerosis through its potent antiproliferative effects. Data suggest that low plasma levels of DHEA may facilitate, and high levels may retard, the development of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary allograft vasculopathy.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits human platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo
Jesse RL, Loesser K, Eich DM, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits human platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1995 Dec 29;774:281-90.

Interperation: Researchers sought to measure the effects of DHEA’s cardioprotective actions.

The researchers noted: “Findings suggest that DHEA retards platelet aggregation in humans. Inhibition of platelet activity by DHEA may contribute to the putative antiatherogenic and cardioprotective effects of DHEA.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia
Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia. Bloch M, Biol Psychiatry 1999 Jun 15;45(12):1533-41.

Study: The researchers noted a “significant response was seen after 3 weeks of treatment on 90 mg per day. The symptoms that improved most significantly were anhedonia, loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional “numbness,” sadness, inability to cope, and worry. This pilot study suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone is an effective treatment for midlife-onset dysthymia.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases production and release of Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein.
Danenboerg HD, Haring R, Fisher A, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases production and release of Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein. Life Sci 1996;59(19):1651-7.

Study: The researchers noted: DHEA significantly declines with advanced age. “We propose that the age-associated decline in DHEA levels may be related to the pathological APP metabolism observed in Alzheimer’s disease.”

DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range
Friess E, Trachsel L, Guldner J, et al. DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range. Am J Physiol 1995 Jan;268(1 Pt 1):E107-13.

Study: “Investigated was the effects of a single oral dose of DHEA (500 mg) on sleep stages, sleep stage-specific electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra, and concurrent hormone secretion in 10 healthy young men. DHEA administration induced a significant increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas all other sleep variables remained unchanged compared with the placebo condition. Because REM sleep has been implicated in memory storage, its augmentation in the present study suggests the potential clinical usefulness of DHEA in age-related dementia.”

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression
Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatry 1997 Feb 1;41(3):311-8

Study: Researchers looked at “six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression,” and increased their DHEA levels to those “observed in younger healthy individuals.”

The researchers said: “Depression ratings, as well as aspects of memory performance significantly improved. These preliminary data suggest DHEA may have antidepressant and pro-memory effects and should encourage double-blind trials in depressed patients.”

Inflammatory Disease
van Vollenhoven RF, Morabito LM, Engleman EG, et al. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with dehydroepiandrosterone: 50 patients treated up to 12 months. J Rheumatol 1998 Feb;25(2):285-9

Study: Researchers study whether long-term therapy (up to 1 year) with DHEA is beneficial in patients with mild to moderate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The researchers stated: “DHEA was well tolerated and appeared clinically beneficial, with the benefits sustained for at least one year in those patients who maintained therapy.”

Menopausal
Genazzani AD, Stomati M, Strucchi C, et al. Oral dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation modulates spontaneous and growth hormone-releasing hormone-induced growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 secretion in early and late postmenopausal women. Fertil Steril 2001 Aug;76(2):241-8.

Study: The researchers sought to see if DHEA effected lean and obese post-menopausal women differently. The results suggested that lean and obese women benefitted equally.

The researchers noted: “This suggests that DHEA is more than a more than a simple “diet supplement” or “anti-aging product”; rather it should be considered an effective hormonal replacement treatment.”

Abdominal Fat
Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial.

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 10;292(18):2243-8.

“CONCLUSION: DHEA replacement could play a role in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity.”

DHEA, Bone Mineral Density, Older Adults
Researchers writing in the medical journal The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, say that DHEA replacement therapy for one year improved hip Bone Mineral Density in older adults and spine Bone Mineral Density in older women.

DHEA What is It?
DHEA MAIN PAGE

What is 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 Research
DHEA MAIN PAGE

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?

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol mainly by the adrenal glands and in small part by our nervous system.

What does it do?
There is speculation as to the main role of pregnenolone in the body. Most researchers are now in agreement that the primary role of pregnenolone is as the precursor (the building block) of our other hormones including the estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.

DHEA is considered the “daughter” hormone of pregnenolone. Indeed pregneolone is considered by some to be the “mother of all steroid hormones.”

It has been suggested by human and animal studies that pregnenolone may assist:
-Memory enhancement
-Feelings of well being
-Intelligence by increasing ability to acquire knowledge
-Reduction of physical and mental effects of stress
-Mood improvement
-Energy improvement
-Reduction of PMS and menopausal symptoms
-Better sleep and deeper sleep
-Reduction of wrinkles through skin hydration
-As an anti-inflammatory, and with benefits for rheumatoid arthritis

Pregnenolone supplementation
As do our other hormones, pregnenolone levels decline with age. In our seventies, many produce up to 60% less pregnenolone than we did in our thirties. Many physicians and scientists believe that replacement of pregnenolone to those levels of our thirties can help with the symptoms regularly attributed to aging.

Another aspect of pregnenolone that researchers find intriguing is that pregnenolone levels may regulate the levels of our other hormones. In other words, supplementation of pregnenolone may positively impact decreased levels of our other hormones and restore them to more optimal levels.

There is a negative. If increasing pregnenolone levels increases the body’s own ability to make hormones, such as DHEA, then concurrent supplementation can theoretically raise other hormone levels too high. This is yet another reason why self-administering any hormone is not advisable and should be done only after levels are drawn and analyzed by an age management specialist.

Pregnenolone Research