[Anonymous]

#1054381

I began doing research about this substance recently, and personally would recommend that everybody stop and do the same before introducing it to their bodies. It is one of those natural products where the controls over marketers’ claims are non-existant, similar to herbs, vitamins etc., and the marketers neither have to prove their claims, nor do they have to demonstrate the safety of the product, as is required with a drug. What I have found out is not conclusive, but gave me pause.

First of all, it is a chemical produced by the adrenal glands (which also produces our steroids, etc.). It develops in the body around age 7, maximizes in our twenties, and then naturally starts to wane. One source I read said that some of the products on the market get it from something called a Mexican yam — which is not a yam, but they didn’t say WHAT it was — and that therefore it may be difficult for the producers to regulate the amount of DHEA their product is delivering. There have been no long term human studies on it, only short-term ones, and some scientists fear that the the results of these short studies may have been misinterpreted. The scientific community IS studying it, but the results are not in. If you think about what was known about estrogen replacement therapy twenty years ago, you will have a similar situation now with DHEA. Because it is an adrenal hormone, and because of the known action of it, there is concern that long-term use by humans could lead to prostate and endometrial cancer. Recent news reports have also suggested a link between DHEA and the development of unusual, and severe heart problems in some women. Because there have been no long-term studies there is uncertainty about the overall safety. For women, DHEA use HAS been associated with menstrual irregularities, facial and body hair growth, and deepened voices.

So, despite this product being available over the counter, I would definitely recommend that you discuss it with a very good doctor before deciding whether you want to take it or not.

(Sources — newspaper articles and HOPE — the newsletter from American Health Resources Association.)

Wishing you all good health, and happiness.

Bobbi

[Anonymous]

#1158548

Everything I’ve read about DHEA coincides with what Bobbi has said. The jury is still out on this stuff although the potential dangers would appear to be more applicable to women than men. When I asked my own endo about taking this, he about had a seizure. He said that GD patients have enough problems without playing metabolic roulette! I tend to agree with him.

Luci

[Anonymous]

#1158549

A Big ditto to Bobbi and Luci’s info shared and concern regarding DHEA.
It is important that this topic was brought up as the advertisment above the banner could confuse
a newcomer and seem to be an endorsement for graves patients. What might be okay or great for someone
else could be totally wrong for those of us with GD at various stages or during various treatments.
I would suspect that most of our doctors would caution us or not want the complicated picture complicated further.

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