Dhea

[Elissa]

Since hormone imbalances are one cause of hair loss, I thought I'd ask this here:

Just curious if any of you have taken the hormone supplement DHEA (either prescription or over-the-counter) and whether it effected your hair loss positively or negatively. I am currently being treated for Adrenal Insufficiency (similar to Addison's Disease) and in addition to taking Hydrocortisone (a steroid) my doctor instructed me to take DHEA. DHEA is a precurser to many hormones including estrogen and testosterone, so I know it can have an effect on my hair.. just curious with peoples experiences.

I start the DHEA in 2 weeks and I'm a bit nervous because i know how powerful hormones can be! BTW he did test my DHEA and DHEA-S levels in my blood and he is keeping track of them during treatment http://community.womenshairlossproject.com/include/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/wink_smile.gif

Thank you so much for any input / info / experiences

[KarenFromKansas]

My DHEA is low too. I started taking it, but am not sure if it has had an effect on my hair loss. It has helped me not be so dead tired all the time. Like you, I'd love to know any links between hair growth and DHEA supplementation.

[Lucy4]

I'll join this discussion. My last blood test for thyroid was within a normal range, but really borderline. So I've ordered over-the-counter DHEA to try. I'm post-menopausal, but not on any HRT, so I'll start with very small doses and work my way up. I'm hopeful that through supplements and foods like soy products I'll be able to give my endocrine system a gentle boost without the side effects of prescription hormones. I'll keep following this thread and update when I see (or don't see) results.

[Elissa]

Hi everyone-

I just want to be clear that my doctor is monitoring my DHEA and DHEA-S levels while I am supplementing. He is only having me supplement BECAUSE these levels were low.. They are low because of my adrenal insufficiency. I am not producing enough cortisol or DHEA. Please ladies be careful if you are taking a supplement without knowing if you are deficient in it! Very important! You dont want to blindly mess with hormones!

Meanwhile I have been on 10mg DHEA for 2 weeks now.. I don't notice any difference yet. My doc said my DHEA went up a bit in my blood work but it is too soon to tell. I get my blood checked again in 4 weeks. Then he will also decide if I am increasing the dose to 25mg.

I will keep everyone updated! :)

[Lucy4]

Elissa--Thanks for your update and VERY wise warning about blindly messing with hormones.

You didn't mention in your posts if the DHEA you are currently taking is prescription or over-the-counter. My past experience with non-prescription supplements has shown me that even with good reputable brands, the quantity of active ingredient is far less than what you would obtain with a prescription. And quantities are often not guaranteed.

I would be interested in your take on how women in my situation (borderline low hormone levels and no insurance to cover the $1000 + cost of further testing fees, lab technician fees, physician fees, and prescriptions) proceed with over-the-counter supplements.

My plan is to begin very conservatively and gradually increase dosage--6 mg daily to start. Most women over the age of 60 have diminished hormone levels due in part to the aging hypothalamus gland. So unless one is able to afford extensive testing, monitoring, and treatment with bio-identical hormones, perhaps the best we can do for ourselves would be to tread very lightly with self-treatment, and keep good records as we proceed--keeping in mind that hormones are very potent and easy to get out of balance.

[Elissa]

Hi Lucy-

Unfortunately my doc had me go with OTC DHEA .. even though I WANTED prescription. He said we should start with OTC because I'll be able to find it in smaller doses (believe me -- I am NOT happy about this and I brought it up to him more than once.. so now I just have to take the OTC since he is not writing me an rX). He insists that the prescription grade is just as "shady" as the OTC.. even though I would be more comfortable taking prescription grade since I feel it would have gone through more rigourous testing. Oh well. So I am taking 10mg of Natrol brand DHEA (I never heard of the brand but it was all I could find in that dose). I've been on it for about 3 weeks now.

I would NOT be taking it if my levels werent being checked every few weeks... it can be dangerous. (One of my reasons why I feel it shouldnt even be ALLOWED to be available over the counter).

I guess people can do "trial and error" on their own.. but I personally wouldnt feel comfortable doing that.

BTW-- I'm not sure if I mentioned the reason I am taking it.. i am only 32 years old.. no where near menopause...I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency and I have to take Hydrocortisone to replace the cortisol my adrenals arent producing.. and the DHEA to replace the DHEA my adrenals arent producing. Also my testosterone is low.. and the DHEA is supposed to hopefully convert into that.

Be careful with hormones ladies! :)

[Elissa]

p.s. When researching prescription DHEA-- the only brand name I could find is "Prasterone" but I cant find any info on the dosage amounts (I wanted to see what the smallest dose is). I even called several pharmacies and no pharmacist has ever heard of it or has it! If anyone knows the names (brand names or generic) or PRESCRIPTION DHEA, please let me know.

Oh-- And no compunding pharmacy near me has DHEA at all :(