Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation Can Increase Estradiol in Elderly Men

[Nelson Vergel]

DHEAS was the only hormone significantly negatively correlated to the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among 17 investigated hormones, including testosterone and E2, in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (60). In addition, Basar et al (61) in a consecutive series of 348 male patients reported that that DHEAS and free testosterone levels were significantly lower in men with sexual dysfunction, as determined by the IIEF-15 score. However, evidence of positive effects of DHEA in improving sexual function in men is unconvincing, scanty, and/or conflicting. Only 4 placebo-controlled studies were available. By meta-analyzing these data we did not observe any difference for total IIEF and IIEF-erectile function or IIEF-sexual desire domain score. The limited effect of DHEA on male sexual function is not surprising. In fact, the specific DHEA contribution to overall circulating testosterone level in men is marginal, if not negligible

Ref: Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in elderly men: a meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials. - PubMed - NCBI

As you can see if the graphic below, DHEA increased estradiol in most placebo controlled studies.

 

[JWSimpkins]

Would there be any benefit to taking DHEA if you can control the E2 increase that it causes?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

No one has done a study of DHEA+ anastrozole

 

[Gene Devine]

DHEA Supplementation
Dehydroepiandrosterone: DHEA
As presented by Dr. Neal Rouzier, M.D.

Here's a great reason to add DHEA to your protocol.
DHEA is a hormone secreted primarily by the adrenal glands. It results in a shift of a catabolic state to an anabolic or protein building state.
· It reduces cardiovascular risks by increasing lipolyses (decrease visceral fat).
· It stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves moods, decreases cholesterol and body fat.
· It improves memory, increases energy, and has anti-cancer properties by enhancing the immune system.
· It is an endocrine precursor to other hormones, prevents immuno-senescence, loss of sleep, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis.
· DHEA reduces insulin requirement
· Adrenal hormone anabolic vs. catabolic metabolism
· Restores immunity
· Prevents osteoporosis, increases bone density
· Prevents cancer in lab animals
· Prevents diabetes & heart disease
· Decreases visceral fat
· Improves mood & well-being
· Improves energy & memory
· Slows aging process in lab animals
· Prevents lipid peroxidation = antioxidant
· Endocrine precursor to T.P.E.
· 7-keto DHEA is not a precursor to other HRT = avoid
· Neurotransmitter (recently discovered)
· Presently pending FDA approval for Lupus (Prasterone)

Clinically substantiated uses of DHEA include replacement for:
· Low DHEA levels
· Chronic disease
· Adrenal exhaustion or corticosteroid therapy
· SLE
· Improving bone density
· Improving depression & mood disorders
· Enhancing immune response by activating T-cells
· Improving well-being
· Decreasing cardiovascular risk
· Improving erectile dysfunction
· Anyone over 40
· DHEA has never been shown to reverse the aging process
· Nevertheless DHEA is important for preventive medicine
· DHEA inhibits synthesis of thromboxane A2, reduces plasminogen activator inhibitor, and tissue plasminogen activator – all decreasing platelet aggregation and ischemia.

Administration:
Men<200lb: 50mg AM
Men>200lb: 75-100mg AM
Women <50yo: 10-15mg AM
Women >50yo: 25mg AM

IMPORTANT:
DHEA Serum Levels
MEN
· Range 100-600
· Optimal 500-600
WOMEN
· Range 50-300
· Optimal 200-250
Higher levels in women predispose them to side effects – therefore stay low.
· Monitor monthly until optimal
· Assure correct dose and compliance
· Measure DHEA-S and not DHEA
· Side effects: acne, hirsutism
· Tx: Lower dose or take QOD Spironolactone 100 mg/day
· Contraindicated in sex hormone responsive tumors – breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate
· Conversion to T.P.E.?
· DHEA raises testosterone levels in women slightly, yet not in men
· DHEA raises estradiol slightly in men

Indications:
· Over age 40 for health protection
· Preventive medicine and well-being
· Symptoms of aging, mood & depression
· Cause the medical literature suggests it if we want to live longer, happier, healthier


DHEA – S
MEN Blood levels
· Optimal : 500-600 ug/ml
· Side effects rare in men
WOMEN Blood Levels
· Optimal : 200-250 ug/ml
· Dose based on side effects
· Side effects very common in women

DHEA Dose
MEN
· Capsule – SR micronized
· 50 mg Q am
· >200 lbs – 75 - 100 mg Q am
WOMEN
· Capsule – SR micronized
· 10 mg Q am if over 40
· 15 mg Q am if over 50
· 25 mg Q am if over 60
· If under age 40, do not prescribe due to sensitivity causing side effects.

 

[Kelly]

My E2 has always run low (15-16.) DHEA did exactly what I hoped for and elevated my E to a more acceptable level, IMO.

 

[Jeffrey Becker]

If I want to really KILL my sex drive, I just start taking DHEA and preg daily. That will do it.

 

[Gene Devine]

If I want to really KILL my sex drive, I just start taking DHEA and preg daily. That will do it.

Interesting, I've never heard or read that as a neg side to DHEA or Preg supplementation.

I wonder if it's increasing your E2 levels???

 

[Austinite]

^ Yes, strange. I've been on DHEA micro and Preg for ever now. They're a staple in my daily intake.

 

[Jeffrey Becker]

Yes, my guess its something to do with SHBG or estrogen. Ive tried lower doses but it still happens. An occasional dose seems to provide a mild boost in overall energy and well being.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

DHEA, like any androgen, decreases sex hormone binding globulin. It has no effect on IGF-1 in males. It may increase estradiol in males. Some guys feel much better on it while others feel no change. It seems that the DHEA Gene is using may be a good one for those who want to try it.

DHEA does not increase IGF-1 in men

 

[Nelson Vergel]

How will DHEA supplementation effect me?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

DHEA Supplementation: What Do Studies Show?