Should I take DHEA supplement to raise my DHEA? - Thyroid UK

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Should I take DHEA supplement to raise my DHEA?

DizzyD profile image
5 Replies

Hi all my DHEA is well below range. What is the best way to raise DHEA levels. In the past private endocrinologist prescribed DHEA supplements but somewhere along the line I stopped taking them due to new emerging health problems which took priority so are being sorted. Recently, (past 2wks) been experiencing awful fatigue along with low energy so suspect adrenal fatigue might have something to do with it. Hence, wondering if DHEA supplement would help with the fatigue. Anyone had any success with DHEA supplements for adrenal fatigue?

Really would appreciate some feedback.

Thank yo u

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DizzyD profile image
DizzyD
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TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe

Well Dizzy that seems to have resulted in a big Dun Know! Or is it that it is illegal and we are all law abiding?? 😇🤣

The Americans don't seem to have an issue with it.... seems sensible doesn't it to top it up along with the other dropping hormones? I'm thinking it'll be the next thing to add in but waiting to see if the adrenal glandular has any effect first 🤗

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment in reply to TiggerMe

tricky isn’t it. Finding the balance and correcting when off course.

When did you last test Thyroid and vitamins? Is everything optimal?

Dr Eric Balclavage in the US has a Thyroid answers podcast and talks about adrenals. He seems to think you have to rule everything else out get gut health optimal before giving gas to the adrenals which could lead to further issues.

Dr Sarah Myhill’s new book has a chapter too.

Could it be slow recovery related to the other health issues you had? Just a thought

🌱

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Regenallotment

So true, I'm in a consolidating phase, getting my T4/T3 back up... MMH Full Screen planned for next week, things were all good at the end of October so I'm aiming for those results with hopefully a continued climb in ferritin 🤞

I've just added CoQ10 to my basket of supplements having read some of Dr Myhills book 🤷‍♀️😬

Hunny_BEE profile image
Hunny_BEE

I was just considering purchasing either DHEA or 7-keto DHEA (the precursor to DHEA)!

I too had an endocrinologist recommend DHEA at one point and did take it but it’s been so long ago — I really don’t know if it helped. Plus, I can’t recall the dosage she recommended 😝

If I do start and notice a difference I will post.

radd profile image
radd

DizzyD,

Dr P always said the focus on cortisol & the impaired stress response was misleading, as it was the DHEA:cortisol ratio that offered better incite into the function of the HPA axis.  However, I haven't taken DHEA but as I understand it, you need high cortisol or be supporting cortisol as they are opposing anabolic/catabolic hormones. Do you have recent cortisol readings?

If you would like to supplement DHEA again you will need another prescription as being a controlled dug in the UK (flippin' ridiculous!), it is illegal to buy or import.

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