Question 1

is it ever safe to take dhea or pregnenolone without first testing hormone balances in a lab?

Accepted Answer

Hormone replacement: Its never a good idea to take a hormone as a supplement unless there is a deficiency.  Even in some hormone deficiencies, the drawbacks to replacement outweigh the benefits.  While there is some limited evidence that dhea replacement can help specific groups (people with addison's disease for example), I am unaware of evidence for pregnenolone replacement.  Endocrinologists have this knowledge.

Question 2

taking estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is known to be a risk factor for causing blood clots. is the same true of pregnenolone and dhea?

Accepted Answer

Unknown, probably no: Supplements such as dhea and pregnenolone are not regulated by the fda and have no good studies that demonstrate that they do anything beneficial for any medical condition.  The safety of these supplements is also unknown.  You appear to be very young to have to be on hormone supplements.  You should see an endocrinologist to find out if you really need to be on them.

Question 3

could  low dhea sulfate or low pregnenoone levels cause your heart rate to increase with excertion heart test are normal echo stress test?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Likely a component of deconditioning. See your doctor for evaluation.

Question 4

what does high dheas mean?

Accepted Answer

Male hormone: DHEAS is a weak androgen (male hormone) produced by your adrenal gland. Excess levels can cause abnormal hair growth and problems with ovulation. You need to discuss this with your MD.

Question 5

what exactly is natural dhea?

Accepted Answer

DHEA: Our body(in the adrenal glands) produces dhea which is a hormone that helps produce other hormones like testosterone and estrogen. As we age less DHEA is produced.

Question 6

which types of foods contain dhea?

Accepted Answer

None: Some foods like wild yam and soybeans contain raw ingredients for dhea but do not contain dhea itself. We don't know if eating more soybeans increases your dhea.

Question 7

does lowering of dhea has any effects?

Accepted Answer

Dhea: Yes as this will change the balance and equilibrium of other hormones e.g. Testosterone, estrogen, Progesterone etc.

Question 8

are there benefits of a woman using dhea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if deficient: Suboptimal levels of dhea are common in those with adrenal insufficiency, a common condition in those with ongoing stress. However, dhea is converted to estrogen & testosterone & can be dangerous in high doses. I advise taking 5-10 mg, ideally under medical supervision, as part of a larger program to restore adrenal health- see www.Womentowomen.Com/adrenalhealth/dhea-naturalandsupplementation.Aspx.

Question 9

what is dheas & its effects on female body ?

Accepted Answer

No: Dhea is metabolized to cortisone, estrogen and testosterone -- and you can't control which one is goes to. Also, there is no medical indication to take it in the first place, and most of the dhea supplements have little dhea in them.  Don't get your medical advice from tv or the internet!

Question 10

what are the differences between dhea and 7-keto?

Accepted Answer

The branding...: These 2 compounds are basically similar; and some even come in the same formulation/powder; so you can make shakes from it to enhance your workouts.  Companies like twin-labs; now foods, etc. All have their own...And my sage advice on questions like this is let the buyer beware!  always ask your doctor before starting any new medication/supplement!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Pregnenolone vs dhea

A member asked:

Is it ever safe to take dhea or pregnenolone without first testing hormone balances in a lab?

A member asked:

Taking estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone is known to be a risk factor for causing blood clots. is the same true of pregnenolone and dhea?

A member asked:

Could low dhea sulfate or low pregnenoone levels cause your heart rate to increase with excertion heart test are normal echo stress test?

A member asked:

What does high dheas mean?

A member asked:

What exactly is natural dhea?

A member asked:

Which types of foods contain dhea?

A member asked:

Does lowering of dhea has any effects?

A member asked:

Are there benefits of a woman using dhea?

A member asked:

What is dheas & its effects on female body ?

A member asked:

What are the differences between dhea and 7-keto?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?