7-Keto DHEA

DHEA with less potential side effects
25 mg, 100 capsules, Code 658

Standard Retail $42.95
$33.95

In 1981, the Life Extension Foundation introduced DHEA to its members through an article that described the multiple benefits that this hormone might produce. However, the general public did not learn about DHEA until 1996, when the benefits of DHEA were touted by the news media and in several popular books.

DHEA became credible to the medical establishment when the New York Academy of Sciences published a book entitled DHEA and Aging. This book provided scientific validation for the many life extension effects of DHEA.

It has been shown that the hormone DHEA often declines 80-90% by age 70 or later, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect one’s quality of life. Peak blood levels of DHEA occur at approximately age 25, decreasing progressively thereafter. Thus, scientists have been looking at ways of restoring DHEA to youthful levels, and are now discovering mechanisms by which this hormone protects against age-related decline.

Since 1981, thousands of studies have been published on DHEA’s possible benefits. One study investigated immune functions and DHEA using rats as test subjects. The scientists showed that DHEA administration to rats supports specific immune function known to be lacking in the elderly.1*

Another study focused on the various benefits of DHEA supplementation, and noted that DHEA’s protective effect could be of benefit to the normal aging brain.2 Some studies have reported DHEA may improve mood and alleviate melancholy. In fact, as highlighted in two studies, participants have reported that they feel better when taking DHEA.3-4*

In still another investigative study doctors noted that DHEA is one factor that determines lumbar spine density in aging men.5 In women, it has been shown that DHEA helps to protect bone mineral density. DHEA’s role in supporting a healthy circulatory system and joint/bone health was also highlighted in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand.6*

Our 7-Keto DHEA supplement conforms to the following specifications:

• 99.9% purity (European-derived DHEA)
  
• Micronized (for maximum absorption and utilization)
  
• Manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions
  

7-Keto DHEA dosing and safety precautions
The Life Extension Foundation has been investigating DHEA for more than 20 years. Life Extension’s DHEA directions for use are specially drafted to provide optimal, but safe dosing.

A DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) blood test may be taken three to six weeks after initiating DHEA supplementation regimen to help determine optimal dosing. When having your blood tested for DHEA, blood should be drawn three to four hours after the last dose. DHEA testing may save you money if it shows that you can take less DHEA to maintain youthful DHEA serum levels.

The standard blood test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEA-S. The DHEAS is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood.

The youthful ranges of DHEA are as follows (mcg/dL):

Men 400-560
Women 350-430

People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100.

Some people obtain a baseline DHEA-S blood test before beginning DHEA supplementation. However, based upon numerous DHEA blood tests evaluated by the Life Extension Foundation, anyone over 40 who does not supplement with DHEA is already deficient in serum DHEA.* Therefore it may be more economical to have the first DHEA blood test three to six weeks after initiating DHEA. There are precautions that should be observed that are different for men and women.

Men
Before attempting to restore DHEA to youthful levels, men should know their serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) level and have passed a digital rectal exam. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate disease are advised to avoid DHEA since it can be converted into testosterone (and estrogen). Therefore, men are advised to have a PSA and digital rectal exam before initiating DHEA to rule out existing prostate disease.

When taking DHEA we also recommend taking the following other nutrients:

It is important for men over 40 to consult their physician to check their PSA and DHEA-S serum levels every six to twelve months thereafter. Men should also periodically check their blood levels for free testosterone and estrogen to make sure that DHEA is following a youthful metabolic pathway. See the Male Hormone Modulation chapter in the Disease Prevention and Treatment book for additional hormone balance testing that can be done at the same time serum DHEA and PSA levels are being tested.

Women
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking the following other nutrients to maintain a healthy balance.Melatonin300 mcg to 3 mg nightly

Women should consider estrogen and testosterone testing when they take their DHEA blood test in order to evaluate DHEA’s effect on their blood levels of these hormones.

Women who have been diagnosed with an estrogen-dependent cancer should consult their physicians before beginning the DHEA restoration process. Women taking DHEA should refer to the Female Hormone Modulation chapter in the Foundation’s Disease Prevention and Treatment book for information about restoring youthful hormone balance.

This product contains NO wheat, yeast, gluten, or dairy. Contains NO artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Dosage and Use
Take one capsule daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.*

References
1. J. Immunol. 2002 Feb 15;168(4):1753-8
2. J. Endocrinol. Invest. 2002 Jan;25(1):73-83
3. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 2000 Dec;85(12):4650-6
4. Biol. Psychiatry . 1999 Jun 15;45(12):1533-41
5. Calcif. Tissue Int. 2002 Mar;70(3):137-45
6. J. Med. Assoc. Thai. 2001 Oct;84 Suppl 2:S605-12

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease