Bioidentical DHEA

In terms of hormone replacement therapy, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone are the most common. But over the years, with research and clinical studies, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement therapy has attracted considerable attention. Significant beneficial effects of DHEA replacement have been reported in patients representing the pathophysiological model of complete DHEA deficiency, in other words, adrenal insufficiency (AI). This includes effects on well-being, energy levels, mood, and libido, which is usually impaired in AI, particularly in female patients.

What is Bioidentical DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is typically secreted by the adrenal glands and its secretory rate changes throughout the human lifespan. When human development is completed and adulthood is reached, DHEA and DHEA sulphate (DHEAS) levels start to decline so that at 70-80 years of age, peak DHEAS concentrations are only 10-20% of those in young adults. This age-associated decrease has been termed ‘adrenopause’, and since many age-related disturbances have been reported to begin with the decline of DHEA/DHEAS levels, this provides a potential opportunity for use of DHEA as replacement therapy.

Adrenopause is an age-related, partial insufficiency of the adrenal cortex characterized by its low blood levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DS) in the presence of undiminished cortisol levels. A great number of effects in the CNS and in the periphery are known, partially due to DHEA as an independent hormone, partially due to its influence as a precursor of sex hormones. Positive epidemiological data about DHEA on morbidity and mortality in males as well as clinical reports about promising effects of a DHEA supplementation in elderly people suggest that controlled replacement therapy might be useful in the prevention and treatment of degenerative processes in humans.

Bioidentical DHEA is a plant-derived hormone molecularly identical to the human DHEA. DHEA is on the most abundant circulating steroids in humans produced from the adrenal glands. It is converted into many hormones such as testosterone and estrogens and up to 150 individual metabolites. Through conversion to these hormones, DHEA expresses typical make and female hormone activity as well as enhances the immune system.

Revitalife Compounding Pharmacy offers bioidentical DHEA preparations of various concentrations and dosage forms that will fit the patients’ individual needs. Our preparations can be beneficial for patient with:

DHEA deficiency
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Cortisol or other glucocorticoid therapy
Inflammation and Metabolic syndrome
Sexual dysfunction and libido
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Depression, Cognitive Decline and Mood Swings
Insulin resistance and Diabetes
Peyronie’s Disease

References:

Moskowitz D. A Comprehensive Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bioidentical Hormones for the Management of Menopause and Related Health Risks. Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 11, Number 3, 2006: 208-223.
Hertoghe T. The Hormone Handbook. 2nd Edition. IMB-Publications. 2010
Genazzani AD, Lanzoni C, Genazzani AR. Might DHEA be considered a beneficial replacement therapy in the elderly? Drugs Aging. 2007;24(3):173-85.
Römmler A. Adrenopause and dehydroepiandrosterone: pharmacological therapy versus replacement therapy. Gynakol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch. 2003 Apr;43(2):79-90.