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This is interesting study, if I interpret it correctly it seem to say increasing DHEA in older adults is a negative.  Please correct me if I am wrong about that.


For me taking DHEA has had had no noticeable effect on health or sleep though it did raise my level of DHEA-S.  My E2 sensitive was 20.3 (8-35) my free T was  20.7 (6.6 - 18.1). I don't think dhea affected my E2 at all.  My PSA level went up, though it may have had noting to do with DHEA.


"Impact of DHEA on GABA-agonist Challenge in Healthy Young and Older adults



The primary goal of this dissertation research was to investigate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on recovery from a GABA-agonist challenge in healthy young and older adults. DHEA and its sulfate metabolite DHEA-S are natural steroid hormones that are produced primarily in the adrenal glands and act as precursors to other hormones (e.g., testosterone and estrogen) in the body. Animal studies have demonstrated antagonistic effects of DHEA and DHEA-S at the GABA receptor complex. When compared to young adults, the elderly have lower concentrations of DHEA and DHEA-S and recover more slowly from the CNS effects of benzodiazepines, the most commonly prescribed class of GABA-agonists. To investigate the role of DHEA and/or DHEA-S as excitatory steroids in the human brain, a GABA-agonist challenge study was proposed. Secondary goals included evaluations of SEM variability over repeated same-day testing and assessing the influence of age and endogenous concentrations of DHEA and DHEA-S on SEMs.Both young (20 to 30 years) and older (60 to 79 years) men and women participated in this four-way crossover of placebo, DHEA, alprazolam plus placebo and alprazolam plus DHEA. For the 12.5 hours after the drug or placebo was administered, responses mediated via the GABA-A receptor complex (saccadic eye movements (SEMs), sedation, memory, and psychomotor performance) were assessed and blood samples were collected for the purpose of determining DHEA, DHEA-S, and alprazolam concentrations. These data demonstrate that DHEA administration enhanced impairment in older men and women and did not alter impairment in young men and women. DHEA administration did not accelerate recovery from GABA-agonist challenge in the older subjects. In fact, the opposite effect was seen with the older men and women who demonstrated saccades with slower velocities and longer durations during the recovery phase of the DHEA/Alp treatment. A surprising outcome of this report is the number of older subjects who experienced impairment at a level where they were unable to complete the SEM tasks in both treatments. The number of older subjects unable to perform the SEM tasks during the DHEA/Alp treatment was significantly greater than during the PL/Alp treatment."


Impact of DHEA on GABA-agonist Challenge in Healthy Young and Older adults  - D-Scholarship@Pitt


TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

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Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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