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A stronger backbone: DHEA hormone replacement increases bone density in older women
May 12, 2009Drug combination could lower risk of fracture by 30 to 50 percent in women, according to Saint Louis University research
ST. LOUIS - Taking a DHEA supplement combined with vitamin D and calcium can significantly improve spinal bone density in older women, according to a new study from a Saint Louis University scientist and his colleagues at Washington University.
"The results of our study are very promising. Similar studies have demonstrated much smaller benefits for bone than we found. However, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, which are present in half of older adults, may have prevented DHEA from improving bone density in the earlier studies," said Edward Weiss, Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University's Doisy College of Health Sciences and lead author of the study.
"In our study, we supplemented all participants with calcium and vitamin D to ensure that deficiencies were not present. This may explain why our study showed more favorable effects on bone density."
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and brain, decreases with age. According to Weiss, low DHEA concentration has been associated with low bone density, which lead researchers to question whether restoring DHEA levels could improve or preserve bone health.
The two-year study divided men and women, ages 65 to 75 years old, into two groups. The first group received the DHEA supplement, vitamin D and calcium for two years. The control group received a placebo, vitamin D and calcium for the first year and then received the DHEA supplement the second year in place of the placebo.
The effects of the treatment differed for men and women. After the first year, women in the test group experienced an approximate 2 percent increase in bone density, while women in the control group did not see an increase. After the second year when both groups took the DHEA supplement, women in the test group experienced an additional 2 percent increase for a total of approximately 4 percent, while women who switched from placebo to DHEA also experienced an approximate 2 percent increase.
The same treatment, however, did not offer similar benefits for older men. Instead, men in both the test and control groups experienced a 1 to 2 percent increase in spinal bone density. According to researchers, the results suggest that vitamin D and calcium supplements, which were give to both groups, could be responsible for the increase in bone density.
The results of the study are promising for older women. According to Weiss, patients who achieve similar increases of 2 to 4 percent in spinal bone density with the help of medication experience a 30 to 50 percent reduction in risk of spine fractures.
Further, researchers say that the increase in spinal bone density experienced by women in the test group who took DHEA for two years, is at least as effective as other current therapies including estrogen and bisphosphonates, a class of prescription drugs that increases bone density.
However, like other therapies, the benefits of DHEA supplements were limited to spinal bone density. Neither men nor women experienced an improvement in hip bone density. Weiss says the hip may respond more slowly to bone-enhancing therapies than the spine, thus requiring more time to see a beneficial effect. More research is needed though.
"In addition to its beneficial effects on bone, DHEA replacement may have other benefits including improvements in risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, improvements in immune function, and improvements in psychological health," Weiss said.
While the research findings are promising, Weiss says that people should consult with their doctor before taking DHEA, which is an over-the-counter dietary supplement.
"Although DHEA is generally considered safe for consumption at 50 mg per day, it increases estrogen and testosterone levels which in turn could increase cancer risk," Weiss explained. "Therefore, DHEA supplementation should be avoided in men and women who have had cancer or who have a strong family history of cancer until further research can establish whether or not it is safe for these individuals."
Saint Louis University
"In our study, we supplemented all participants with calcium and vitamin D to ensure that deficiencies were not present. This may explain why our study showed more favorable effects on bone density."
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and brain, decreases with age. According to Weiss, low DHEA concentration has been associated with low bone density, which lead researchers to question whether restoring DHEA levels could improve or preserve bone health.
The two-year study divided men and women, ages 65 to 75 years old, into two groups. The first group received the DHEA supplement, vitamin D and calcium for two years. The control group received a placebo, vitamin D and calcium for the first year and then received the DHEA supplement the second year in place of the placebo.
The effects of the treatment differed for men and women. After the first year, women in the test group experienced an approximate 2 percent increase in bone density, while women in the control group did not see an increase. After the second year when both groups took the DHEA supplement, women in the test group experienced an additional 2 percent increase for a total of approximately 4 percent, while women who switched from placebo to DHEA also experienced an approximate 2 percent increase.
The same treatment, however, did not offer similar benefits for older men. Instead, men in both the test and control groups experienced a 1 to 2 percent increase in spinal bone density. According to researchers, the results suggest that vitamin D and calcium supplements, which were give to both groups, could be responsible for the increase in bone density.
The results of the study are promising for older women. According to Weiss, patients who achieve similar increases of 2 to 4 percent in spinal bone density with the help of medication experience a 30 to 50 percent reduction in risk of spine fractures.
Further, researchers say that the increase in spinal bone density experienced by women in the test group who took DHEA for two years, is at least as effective as other current therapies including estrogen and bisphosphonates, a class of prescription drugs that increases bone density.
However, like other therapies, the benefits of DHEA supplements were limited to spinal bone density. Neither men nor women experienced an improvement in hip bone density. Weiss says the hip may respond more slowly to bone-enhancing therapies than the spine, thus requiring more time to see a beneficial effect. More research is needed though.
"In addition to its beneficial effects on bone, DHEA replacement may have other benefits including improvements in risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, improvements in immune function, and improvements in psychological health," Weiss said.
While the research findings are promising, Weiss says that people should consult with their doctor before taking DHEA, which is an over-the-counter dietary supplement.
"Although DHEA is generally considered safe for consumption at 50 mg per day, it increases estrogen and testosterone levels which in turn could increase cancer risk," Weiss explained. "Therefore, DHEA supplementation should be avoided in men and women who have had cancer or who have a strong family history of cancer until further research can establish whether or not it is safe for these individuals."
Saint Louis University
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Dhea 25 mg 120 Caps by Swanson Premium Brand Rediscover your zest for life with the age-defying hormonal support of DHEA! A natural precursor to both estrogen and testosterone, DHEA provides a wide range of rejuvenating benefits for men and women, from bone strength to sexual energy to overall vitality. |
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Ultimate Nutrition DHEA Platinum Series Capsules, 100 mg, 100-Count Bottle by Ultimate Nutrition Each capsule contains 100 mg of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). Pharmaceutical grade. |
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Source Naturals 7-Keto, DHEA Metabolite, 50 mg, Tablets, 60 tablets by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. DHEA, the most abundant steroid in the blood of adult humans, peaks in early adulthood and declines with age. Animal research indicates that 7-Keto, a natural metabolite of DHEA, is more active inducer of thermogenic enzymes than DHEA. Research on humans has shown that supplementation with 7-Keto is well tolerated. It is not converted to estrogens or androgens, a point of concern for many people (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease). Suitable for vegetarians and Hypoallergenic: contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
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DHEA Mass - 90 Capsules Pre-Cursor Hormone Support Testosterone Booster 100mg by Physiomuscle Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is a natural hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, the gonads, adipose tissue and the brain. DHEA is the precursor of, androstenedione, testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is the most plentiful androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands and it is quite important to body builders and athletes because in men, around 50% of all testosterone is derived from it, while women derive over 75% of their estrogen from it and nearly 100% after menopause. |
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Schiff DHEA PLUS - 25 mg DHEA with 1 mg Resveratrol - 350 Tablets by Schiff DHEA is a natural element in a young, healthy body. Beginning in our 20's, DHEA levels steadily decline. By age 75, DHEA levels are only 10-20% of what the body manufactured at 20. Supplementing DHEA may have multiple health benefits and assist in balancing body systems.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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DHEA (Bio-Identical) Fragrance Free Topical Creme 2 oz. Pump Bottle by Radiant Laboratories - Made In USA (Odorless) Our product contains pharmaceutical grade micronized Dehydroepaindrosterone (DHEA) Boost Mood and Over-All Well Being. Superior Transdermal Delivery. Like other anti-aging hormones, DHEA is produced by the body in abundant supplies during our youth, reaching its peak between the ages of 20 to 25, then decreasing to much lower levels later in life. During the prime of life, men produce approximately 31 mg of DHEA daily and women produce about 19 mg daily. At forty-five we produce about half this amount and at sixty-five, our DHEA levels are down to about 10 to 20 percent of their peak levels. Many scientists believe that the decline in key hormones like DHEA is responsible for much of the mental and physical decline we associate with normal aging. DHEA is a natural hormone... |
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Natrol DHEA 25mg-180 Tablets by Natrol Found naturally in the body, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) usually reaches peak levels in early adulthood, then steadily decreases every year afterward. DHEA supplementation has been recommended for restoring youthful vigor and helping to enhance energy and intimacy. Natrol DHEA contains the highest quality of this hormonal precursor available in supplement form. Making sure you use the proper amount of DHEA is essential for best results. Each Natrol DHEA tablet contains 25 mg of this hormonal precursor, precisely verified by the High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique. |
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Natrol DHEA, 25mg Tablets - 180 count (Pack of 2) by Natrol Please note: Due to product improvements, the image shown may temporarily appear different from the product received. HPLC Verified Balances DHEA Levels* Helps Enhance Energy* Anti-Aging Pre |
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MRM Micronized DHEA Vegetarian Caplets, 90-Count Bottles by MRM Dietary Supplement. HPLC tested for potency & purity. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced in the adrenal glands from pregnenolone and converts into testosterone, estrone and estradiol. As we age, our DHEA levels decrease which could be pivotal to overall health status. DHEA supplementation has shown the ability to support circulating DHEA concentrations to those experienced in younger years. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) Contains no common allergens or artificial colors. |
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