OPINION: Dr Ken Romeo 775-870-6942
DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the circulation. It is potent and functions in many ways.
Epidemiological studies suggests that levels of serum DHEA decrease with age. Unfortunately this has been associated with the onset or progression of various age-related ailments, including cognitive decline and dementia, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
These findings have sparked intense research interest in DHEA supplementation as an "antiaging" therapy.
A little known fact to the general public is that DHEA is being used by 25% of in vitro fertilization clinicians as an adjuvant in assisted reproductive programs.
A recent study examined the use of novel DHEA-containing oral-films in patients undertaking in vitro fertilization and investigated the impact of these pills on their serum androgen profile. "Androgen is a steroid hormone that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics." ( Sriram. "Steroids". Medicinal Chemistry. Pearson Education India. p. 437.
The study determined the androgen profile of 31 in vitro patients before and after DHEA supplementation. Baseline serum measurements of testosterone (total and free), DHEA sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and androstenedione were made before and after supplementation.
Each patient received DHEA films containing 25 mg of micronized DHEA, and films were administered sublingually twice daily for a period of no greater than 4 months.
Adjuvant treatment with DHEA boosted the serum concentration of a number of androgen-related analytes, including total and free testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS, while serum SHBG remained unchanged. Supplementation also significantly increased the free-androgen index in IVF patients.
It is important to note that the hormone increase following DHEA supplementation was found to be dependent on body mass index (BMI), but not individual age.
"Patients with the lowest BMI (<20.0 kg/m(2)) tended to have lower testosterone and DHEAS, but higher SHBG and androstenedione levels in comparison with other BMI groups post supplementation. However, patients in the highest BMI group (>30.0 kg/m(2)) tended to have lower androgen responses following DHEA supplementation, but these were not statistically different from the corresponding baseline level." (See source below)
The study concluded that DHEA administration results in enhancement of testosterone, DHEAS, and androstenedione levels. It also showed that BMI significantly influences DHEA uptake and metabolism, and that BMI should be carefully considered during dosage calculation to ensure a significant and robust androgen-profile boost.
Source: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015 Oct 9;9:5569-78.
Yours in Health!
Dr. Ken Romeo
Dr. Ken Romeo is a Principal and Chief Clinical Data Coordinator for the Healthy Aging Research Foundation (HARF) in Reno, NV.
Though each article contained on this Blog is derived from published Clinical and Research data contained in various national and international databases with links provided,
NO ARTICLE OR CONCLUSION IS MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, PREVENT OR CURE DISEASE.
CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTH REGIMEN.
Contact: DrKenRomeo1@yahoo.com
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