I have posted previously about my very low DHEA - last tested some time ago, and decreased from a previous saliva test 0.21 (0.25-2.22). I received superb advice from Humanbean, amongst others which I have followed. I can’t afford another saliva test at the present time, but know my body and certainly don’t feel as well as I should (main problem fatigue and inability to keep awake in an evening, have any kind of occasional evening social life and chronic insomnia without first generation antihistamine).
I just wondered whether an NHS GP would be willing and able try and improve my DHEA? The obvious early ageing signs are clearly visible in my skin, hair etc, I am just really worried underneath about the other effects I’ve read about, such as diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
I appreciate a lot of GP’s aren’t clued up, but mine is very kind and helpful. I just don’t want to waste his time if you think it’s something the NHS aren’t able to help with.
Any advice is very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Written by
CornishChick
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You have to give it a try with the GP. He might even refer you to a specialist that knows! Or he may listen and support you at GP level by prescribing what you ask for.You are clued up enough to know not to expect anything so anything helpful will be a bonus. like winning the lottery.
And in the meantime you can keep your research going in the background.
Several years ago I read that the reason that DHEA is a controlled drug in the UK is that it got classed as an anabolic steroid. And anabolic steroids as a group were all declared to be controlled drugs in one go.
It's a bit like B12 injections being banned (other than when they are prescribed), because everything that must be injected is prescription-only in the UK. Useful things get swept up in these blanket pronouncements as to what is legal to buy OTC and what isn't. At least B12 isn't a controlled drug though!
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), also known as androstenolone, is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor.[4] It is one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans.[5] DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands,[6] the gonads, and the brain.[7] It functions as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the androgen and estrogen sex steroids both in the gonads and in various other tissues.[4][8][9] However, DHEA also has a variety of potential biological effects in its own right, binding to an array of nuclear and cell surface receptors,[10] and acting as a neurosteroid and modulator of neurotrophic factor receptors.[11]
In the United States, DHEA is sold as an over-the-counter supplement, and medication called prasterone.
So, getting hold of DHEA in the UK is very difficult and is also illegal for most purposes as far as I can tell. The legality or otherwise of DHEA in the UK is something that gets discussed occasionally online, but I would be wary about buying it. If I did and customs found it would I end up with a criminal record? A fine? (Look up "Is DHEA legal in the UK" on Google.)
I know that people on this forum have mentioned that they get it prescribed in some form or other, but I don't know what for, and I think they go private.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your advice. I was very much hoping you’d comment as I know you’re so knowledgeable. From what I have heard people like Dr Myhill prescribe for it in the form of pregnenolone, but it’s very interesting to read what you’ve said about DHEA and prasterone. I suspected it might be the case that being prescribed it would be harder than T3! I do feel like it’s a genuine medical illness and yet have no idea how to get any help. I guess there’s no harm asking. If anyone can, I know my gp can, so maybe I should just ask the question and see what happens. Thanks again.
I looked for pregnenolone in the BNF and it isn't in there. I also looked for it in the govt's controlled drugs list, and I couldn't find it there either. I found it for sale on Amazon. So I'm assuming it isn't a controlled drug, nor is it restricted in any way, and it can be bought as a supplement.
Someone wrote a post about this a few months ago, which you might find of interest :
Thank you so much. You certainly seem very knowledgeable to me and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your input. Yes I have sourced pregnenalone myself previously on Dr Myhill’s advice, although wasn’t too happy trying to dose myself and would have preferred a specialists help, but couldn’t afford to keep asking her for ongoing help. I know Pail Robinson recommends DHEA instead, although am aware of the restriction on obtaining this product.
In answer to your question, no I don’t take statins. I shall Re read your comments again tomorrow as I am shattered and can’t comprehend much at this hour!
Thanks again, you have made my day replying and offering your help.
That’s the best article I’ve read on DHEA, very straightforward and informative. I didn’t even think of looking on Thyroid UK’s website for information. I can use that when I approach my GP and hopefully get some tests done to put my mind at rest with the symptoms of low DHEA. Thanks again Humanbean, you’re so kind and knowledgeable, I really appreciate your help.
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