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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by andrewb on November 16, 1999, at 15:32:16
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone available in health food stores, can effectively treat depression in some according to the studies quoted below. DHEA tends to decrease with age. Your DHEA levels can be determined with a blood test, consult your physician. Excessive amounts of DHEA may be harmful to one’s health.
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Source Biol Psychiatry 1999 Jun 15;45(12):1533-41
Title Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia.
Authors Bloch M, Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR
Address Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1276, USA.BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the efficacy of the adrenal androgen,
dehydroepiandrosterone, in the treatment of midlife-onset dysthymia. METHODS: A
double-blind, randomized crossover treatment study was performed as follows: 3
weeks on 90 mg dehydroepiandrosterone, 3 weeks on 450 mg
dehydroepiandrosterone, and 6 weeks on placebo. Outcome measures consisted of
the following. Cross-sectional self-ratings included the Beck Depression
Inventory, and visual analogue symptom scales. Cross-sectional objective
ratings included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Cornell Dysthymia
Scale and a cognitive test battery. Seventeen men and women aged 45 to 63 years
with midlife-onset dysthymia participated in this study. Response to
dehydroepiandrosterone or placebo was defined as a 50% reduction from baseline
in either the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or the Beck Depression
Inventory. RESULTS: In 15 patients who completed the study, a robust effect of
dehydroepiandrosterone on mood was observed compared with placebo. Sixty
percent of the patients responded to dehydroepiandrosterone at the end of the
6-week treatment period compared with 20% on placebo. A significant response
was seen after 3 weeks of treatment on 90 mg per day. The symptoms that
improved most significantly were anhedonia, loss of energy, lack of motivation,
emotional "numbness," sadness, inability to cope, and worry.
Dehydroepiandrosterone showed no specific effects on cognitive function or
sleep disturbance, although a type II error could not be ruled out.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone is an
effective treatment for midlife-onset dysthymia.
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Title Double-blind treatment of major depression with dehydroepiandrosterone.
Author Wolkowitz OM; Reus VI; Keebler A; Nelson N; Friedland M; Brizendine L;
Address Department of Psychiatry, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, USA. owenw@itsa.ucsf.edu
Source Am J Psychiatry, 156(4):646-9 1999 AprOBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess possible antidepressant effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an abundant adrenocortical hormone in humans. METHOD: Twenty-two patients with major depression, either medication-free or on stabilized antidepressant regimens, received either DHEA (maximum dose = 90 mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks in a double-blind manner and were rated at baseline and at the end of the 6 weeks with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Patients previously stabilized with antidepressants had the study medication added to that regimen; others received DHEA or placebo alone. RESULTS: DHEA was associated with a significantly greater decrease in Hamilton depression scale ratings than was placebo. Five of the 11 patients treated with DHEA, compared with none of the 11 given placebo, showed a 50% decrease or greater in depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DHEA treatment may have significant antidepressant effects in some patients with major depression. Further, larger-scale trials are warranted.
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Title Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression.
Author Wolkowitz OM; Reus VI; Roberts E; Manfredi F; Chan T; Raum WJ
Address Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine 94143-0984, USA.
Source Biol Psychiatry, 41(3):311-8 1997 Feb 1Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate, DHEA-S, are plentiful adrenal steroid hormones that decrease with aging and may have significant neuropsychiatric effects. In this study, six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression and low basal plasma DHEA f1p4or DHEA-S levels were openly administered DHEA (30-90 mg/d x 4 weeks) in doses sufficient to achieve circulating plasma levels observed in younger healthy individuals. Depression ratings, as well as aspects of memory performance significantly improved. One treatment-resistant patient received extended treatment with DHEA for 6 months: her depression ratings improved 48-72% and her semantic memory performance improved 63%. These measures returned to baseline after treatment ended. In both studies, improvements in depression ratings and memory performance were directly related to increases in plasma levels of DHEA and DHEA-S and to increases in their ratios with plasma cortisol levels. These preliminary data suggest DHEA may have antidepressant and promemory effects and should encourage double-blind trials in depressed patients.
Posted by JohnL on November 17, 1999, at 3:52:28
In reply to DHEA for depression, posted by andrewb on November 16, 1999, at 15:32:16
Hi there Andrew. Hey, I love your research. Always very interesting. I've seen these studies on DHEA before but appreciated seeing them again.
I've often wondered about trying some DHEA, but I've just been too afraid. I mean, it's a hormone. What if someone already has a normal hormone level and then they boost it beyond the normal range? That to me sounds scary, maybe dangerous, and not well studied. It's a completely different ballgame than vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. I think there exists the potential to really screw things up. Kind of like sailing in uncharted waters. Maybe I'm wrong. Hope so. In those studies, I wonder what happened to the people who didn't respond? I wonder if there was any permanent or temporary damage done by hormone supplementation. Hmmm. And in those who did respond, what problems did they encounter later due to long term treatment? Hmmm.
It is quite intriguing though. I would love to hear from folks who have tried it for a while. Maybe then I would be brave enough to take a closer look. Somehow playing with hormones just scares me. I wish we knew more about longterm consequences.
Posted by Bruce on November 17, 1999, at 8:22:40
In reply to Re: DHEA for depression, posted by JohnL on November 17, 1999, at 3:52:28
> Hi there Andrew. Hey, I love your research. Always very interesting. I've seen these studies on DHEA before but appreciated seeing them again.
>
> I've often wondered about trying some DHEA, but I've just been too afraid. I mean, it's a hormone. What if someone already has a normal hormone level and then they boost it beyond the normal range? That to me sounds scary, maybe dangerous, and not well studied. It's a completely different ballgame than vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. I think there exists the potential to really screw things up. Kind of like sailing in uncharted waters. Maybe I'm wrong. Hope so. In those studies, I wonder what happened to the people who didn't respond? I wonder if there was any permanent or temporary damage done by hormone supplementation. Hmmm. And in those who did respond, what problems did they encounter later due to long term treatment? Hmmm.
>
> It is quite intriguing though. I would love to hear from folks who have tried it for a while. Maybe then I would be brave enough to take a closer look. Somehow playing with hormones just scares me. I wish we knew more about longterm consequences.
Hello, AndrewB and JohnL!I take DHEA at 25 to 50 mg/day,a pretty paltry dose compared to the study. I do notice an oily face at these levels, consistent with a weak androgenic effect. I can also recover a little bit better from exercise.
DHEA does not have a negative feedback loop from what I have read, so it is possible to take all you want without shutting down natural production of DHEA.
*BUT*
I sure would be worried at the 450 mg/day level for excess androgen production. At those levels, it could disrupt the testosterone feedback loop (HPT axis). I don't know, I have never heard of anyone taking levels that high.That reminds me of an article I read a few years back where testosterone enanthate was given as a trial antidepressant. It worked REALLY WELL! (better than imipramine the article said). It also caused large-scale disruption to the body's natural hormone production.
Bruce
Posted by stjames on November 22, 1999, at 19:02:02
In reply to DHEA for depression, posted by andrewb on November 16, 1999, at 15:32:16
> Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone available in health food stores, can effectively treat depression in some according to the studies quoted below. DHEA tends to decrease with age. Your DHEA levels can be determined with a blood test, consult your physician. Excessive amounts of DHEA may be harmful to one’s health.
James here, my thoughts..
DHEA is an adrenal precursor steroid which is tansformed into androgens and/or estrogens and some other stuff. It is a master precursor that is unique in that there is not a feedback loop to stop production of androgens and/or estrogens as you take DHEA. To me this spell trouble, it is best not to play around with androgens and/or estrogens at home ! Cancer is the ovious troblem.
I'm saving DHEA for when I am older and can document with tests decicencies and moniter levels as I take DHEA. I would not consider taking DHEA at any time w/o tests.j
Posted by andrewb on November 24, 1999, at 15:29:10
In reply to DHEA for depression, posted by andrewb on November 16, 1999, at 15:32:16
DHEA poses health risks at high doses because it converts to the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Perhaps a safe alternative is 7-keto DHEA, a natural metabolite of DHEA. It is touted as providing the benefits of DHEA, but unlike DHEA, it doesn't convert to the sex hormones testosterone and estrogens. It is available in health food stores. The following is an artical taken off the web.
7-KETO: A Better Way To Take DHEA?
Natural variant of anti-aging supplement appears to be safer and stronger
By the editors of Mothernature.comA steroidal hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been the subject of rampant rumors alleging miraculous
anti-aging effects. These rumors, based largely on animal research, were fueled by two recent studies led by Dr. Arlene
Morales. The studies indicated that DHEA improved physical and psychological well being in older persons. The results of
these studies, however, had not been seen in recent follow-up research.DHEA has been the subject of thousands of animal studies and a few studies in humans, suggesting potential health benefits
in diabetes, immunity and cancer. In most cases these possible benefits have not been demonstrated in human clinical trials.
As Dr. Morales explained in a recent review of DHEA research, "...the inapplicability of this data to humans is not
appreciated, as the physiology of adrenal androgens in humans and a few primates is unique." And despite some marketers'
claims there is no proof that DHEA enhances longevity, sex drive or weight control, or that it prevents heart disease, cancer,
osteoporosis, colds and flu.Also, DHEA may have a dark side. By facilitating internal production of testosterone and estrogen, supplemental DHEA
could accelerate the growth of undetected prostate or breast tumors. Studies have shown higher levels of DHEA - and
estrogens made from it - in people with breast cancer and endometrial cancer.Still, the benefits seen in animal studies and the two small studies indicating improved physical and psychological
wellbeing have made DHEA a hot consumer commodity. This has left many people in a quandary, wanting the potential
preventive health and anti-aging benefits of DHEA, but dissuaded by reports of its potential dangers.Potential Benefits of 7-KETO DHEA
According to Henry Lardy, PhD, of the National Academy of Sciences, 7-KETO DHEA offers the potential benefits of DHEA
without the risks. 7-KETO DHEA is a natural metabolite, also called conversion product, of DHEA. Once DHEA is converted
to the 7-KETO form it can no longer be used to make the sex hormones that present cancer risks.In preliminary studies on animals, 7-Keto DHEA stimulates the immune system, prevents muscle loss (anti-catabolic),
reduces stress, increases the calorie-burning rate by activating thermogenic liver enzymes and improves memory more than
DHEA or a placebo. Monkeys infected with the simian version of HIV displayed weight gain, a five-fold increase in T-cell
counts and improvement in overall behavior and clinical condition.Is 7-KETO DHEA safe?
Short and long-term safety studies show 7-KETO DHEA is not mutagenic. That means it has not damaged the DNA in rats and
monkeys, and it has no other adverse effects, even at milligram/body weight doses up to 70 times the recommended dose for
humans, which is 50 mg a day.One 28-day human safety trial has been completed. It confirmed that 7-KETO DHEA does not raise levels of sex or other
hormones or affect blood and urine chemistry, at doses of up to 200 mg per day. It cannot convert to estrogens or
testosterone, so it cannot promote prostate enlargement or cancer, breast tumors and other sex hormone effects that may
occur with DHEA supplementation.
This is the end of the thread.
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