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Is DHEA Supplement Effective In Increasing DHEA Sulfate Levels?

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Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017
Question: Four months back, my DHEA,lc/ms/ms was 44 vs a normal range of 61-1636. I started taking 50 mg of DHEA supplement daily from sundown naturals. A month back my blood test showed DHEA sulfate of 653 vs a normal range of 24 to 244. The lab did DHEA sulfate this time - I dont know why. What is the difference between DHEA,lc/ms/ms and DHEA sulfate. Does the DHEA supplement increase DHEA sulfate. Should I stop taking DHEA supplement. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
About DHEAS supplemet:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!

DHEA is produced by gonads, brain and adrenal gland, while DHEAS is mainly produced by adrenal gland and shows it's function. ( LC-MS/MS are the combination of liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry, the method that the laboratory has used to check it)
DHEA supplements increase DHEAS levels in blood.
Usually they are checked together with testosterone level.

DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Levels decrease more quickly in women.

Lower DHEA levels are found in people with , Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis and treatment with DHEA may also affect levels of other hormones, insulin, and cholesterol.
Safety information is lacking on the long-term effects of DHEA supplements and a close monitoring by a physician while taking them is suggested.
DHEA may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

DO not hesitate to ask if you have still queries.
Regards,
dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)
Thanks for your detailed response.You mentioned DHEA supplements increase DHEAS in blood. Do they also increase DHEA,lc/ms-ms in the blood. Initially my DHEA,lc/ms-ms was low - does that mean my DHEAS was also probably low? I have eczema and had transient vitiligo but overall I am quite healthy.
Is a high DHEAS risky? I have already reduced DHEA supplement to 50 mg daily only two times a week. Should I have my DHEAS rechecked soon or can wait till August when I have my physical exam. Will appreciate point wise detailed reply. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
About DHEA supplement:

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,


DHEA may be considered a precursor of DHEAS.

DHEA is converted in adrenal cortex and liver in DHEAS, that is why DHEA supplement may increase DHEAS levels. DHEAS is a precursor of androstenedion that is further converted to testosterone. That is why a high level may be risky at your age as it may result in high testosterone levels, that in your age may be risky.

Except when taking DHEA supplements, DHEAS level may be found high in adrenal neoplasm (usually over 700 ng/dl), or Cushing's disease.

Usually, DHEA supplement is suggested to be taken for 12 up to 24 months. Longer treatment periods are not verified to be beneficial.

Regarding the dose, 100 mg daily is usually the recommended dose, taking it 100 mg weekly, is a very low dose and you may maintain it until you see your physician.

I would recommend checking the testosterone level and please attach the result here for my review.

Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mirjeta Guni

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2414 Questions

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Is DHEA Supplement Effective In Increasing DHEA Sulfate Levels?

Brief Answer: About DHEAS supplemet: Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for asking! DHEA is produced by gonads, brain and adrenal gland, while DHEAS is mainly produced by adrenal gland and shows it's function. ( LC-MS/MS are the combination of liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry, the method that the laboratory has used to check it) DHEA supplements increase DHEAS levels in blood. Usually they are checked together with testosterone level. DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Levels decrease more quickly in women. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with , Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis and treatment with DHEA may also affect levels of other hormones, insulin, and cholesterol. Safety information is lacking on the long-term effects of DHEA supplements and a close monitoring by a physician while taking them is suggested. DHEA may increase the risk of prostate cancer. DO not hesitate to ask if you have still queries. Regards, dr.Mirjeta