7- Alpha Hydroxy DHEA

Overview

7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) that is formed in the body. DHEA is a “parent” hormone produced by glands near the kidneys.

People take 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA to lose weight, increase lean body mass and muscle, boost the immune system, improve memory, and prevent aging.

Classification

Is a Form of:

By-product of DHEA

Primary Functions:

Lose weight

Also Known As:

3-beta-7-alpha-dihydroxy-5-androstene-17-one, 7a-Hydroxy-Dehydroepiandrosterone

How Does It Work?

There is interest in using 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA to prevent aging because levels of this substance drop with age. Some people think replacing it might promote youthfulness. 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA might also stimulate the immune system and might act like an antioxidant.

Uses

  • Promoting weight loss.
  • Increasing lean body mass.
  • Building muscle.
  • Boosting the activity of the immune system.
  • Improving memory.
  • Preventing aging.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

7 – Alpha – Hydroxy – DHEA Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is DHEA used for?

Why do people take DHEA? A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements may help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. DHEA may also improve skin in older people and help treat osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and some psychological conditions.

Why is DHEA banned?

A federal judge in Salt Lake City overturned the ban last week. Lawmakers in both parties said the exemption for DHEA was created only in order to secure passage of a broader bill, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.

Is DHEA a steroid?

DHEA is the highest circulating steroid present in the human body. It does not have much biological effect on its own but is powerful when converted into hormones such as testosterone and estradiol. DHEA is produced from cholesterol by the outer layer of the adrenal glands.

Does DHEA increase testosterone?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone available in supplement form that is sometimes used to increase testosterone levels. Produced naturally by the adrenal glands, DHEA is converted by the body into testosterone and other sex hormones.

Does DHEA cause weight gain?

May increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer and malignant melanoma or other hormonally-affected cancers. Hormonal side effects can be significant, including acne, skin changes, excess hair or hair loss, increased sweating, and weight gain.

Does DHEA really work?

In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But research hasn't proved this to be true. Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo.

Is DHEA bad for your liver?

High cholesterol: DHEA might lower "good cholesterol". ... Liver problems: DHEA might make liver problems worse. Do not use DHEA if you have liver problems. Depression and mood disorders: DHEA might cause excitability, impulsiveness, and irritability in people with mood disorders.

Does DHEA cause hair loss?

Since DHEA can increase the level of both testosterone and estrogen, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as: Voice changes. Hair loss.

Can DHEA be harmful?

Safety and side effects

DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA.

What does DHEA do for females?

DHEA is both a natural hormone and popular supplement that can affect the levels of other hormones in your body. It has been studied for its potential to increase bone density, decrease body fat, improve sexual function and correct some hormonal problems.

How much does DHEA cost?

DHEA is a pro-hormone produced in the body. It is mostly promoted to replace DHEA in the body that declines with aging. The FDA has not approved this supplement for any medical use. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of generic Dhea is around $8.30, 46% off the average retail price of $15.60.

Does DHEA help with sleep?

During sleep, melatonin is high; during consciousness, DHEA is high. Melatonin and DHEA interact to control production of the other. When melatonin is highest, NREM sleep occurs; when DHEA increases slightly during sleep to maintain brainstem function, REM sleep occurs.

Does DHEA increase estrogen?

But they do know that it functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. ... Testosterone and estrogen production also generally declines with age. DHEA supplements can increase the level of these hormones.

Does DHEA help with erectile dysfunction?

Some evidence shows that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases libido in women and helps erectile dysfunction in men. DHEA appears to be safe at low doses. ... One study of Panax ginseng showed it improved sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction.

How long does DHEA take to work?

Also, patient age was an important factor affecting the sildenafil citrate response [42]. The first clinical effects were reported after 8 weeks of DHEA treatment and a remarkable improvement in maintaining the erection after 16 weeks.

How much DHEA should a woman take daily?

Dosage and Side Effects

While doses of 10–500 mg have been reported, a common dose is 25–50 mg per day ( 32 , 41 , 42 ). Regarding time frame, a dose of 50 mg per day has been safely used for one year, and 25 mg per day has safely been used for two years.

Does DHEA help anxiety?

Initial research on DHEA supplementation (DHEA-S) in schizophrenia patients shows some benefits in the management of anxiety and depressive symptoms. ... DHEA and circulating sex hormones (endogenous and exogenous) have also been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease.

Can DHEA help with weight loss?

DHEA and Weight Loss

A version of DHEA supplement known as 7-Keto has been widely promoted as an aid for reducing body fat and raising metabolism. The idea is that leaner body tissue and higher metabolism will burn calories more efficiently, making it easier to not only lose weight but also keep it off.

Can DHEA cause anxiety?

May cause agitation, delusions, nervousness, irritability, or psychosis and may induce hypomanic, aggressive, psychotic, or disinhibited behavior. In people with bipolar disorder, DHEA should be used with caution and only in low doses because it can exacerbate mania, irritability, and aggression.

What foods contain DHEA?

There are no food sources of DHEA. Wild yams contain a substance similar to DHEA that is used to make DHEA in the laboratory. The body manufactures DHEA naturally in the adrenal glands.

 

Clinical Studies