For hormones influence not only whether one becomes a male or a female, but hormones controls almost every aspect of daily life: from whether one shaves, gets fat, becomes chronically fatigued, has blood pressure problems, contracts chronic illnesses, or suffers from depression. Medical breakthroughs in the last fifty years have allowed doctors to analyze hormones present in blood samples, determine their important actions, and then to replace these hormones with bio-identical medication as a means to improve the individuals well-being.

Recently, one such hormone released from the adrenal gland, has been found to have so many important functions that it has been named the "anti-aging" hormone. Noted by the initials, D.H.E.A., dehydroepiandrosterone has become the focus of research world-wide. In fact, an international medical meeting in June, 1995, focused on what is now recognized about its actions. Low levels of D.H.E.A. have been commonly identified in a number of yet, unmanageable medical conditions including obesity, cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Secondly, when taken orally, D.H.E.A. is well absorbed and relatively free of side-effects. And although it is an adrenal hormone, it does not appear to cause osteoporosis, weight gain or depression. In fact, it may aid in reversing the side-effects of these and other hormonal problems. D.H.E.A. is produced in large amounts during pregnancy and then again in the teens and twenties. Its maximal level is attained in the mid-twenties, only to drops in half by 50 years of age and then to less than 10% by the time an individual is 70. Produced in larger amounts than any other hormone, D.H.E.A. is converted into the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen.

Today it is also known that D.H.E.A. is necessary for the action of almost every cell in the body. D.H.E.A. controls the energy production within the cell; and the addition of D.H.E.A. may be likened to putting high-test fuel in a automobile’s engine. Researchers suggest that low D.H.E.A. levels may be found in men and women with cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction), cerebral vascular accidents (strokes), osteoporosis (broken bones), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), diabetes ("sugar"), obesity, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease (senile dementia), chronic fatigue and disturbances of the immune system (including multiple sclerosis, lupus, and fibromyalgia).

Animal Studies
Animal studies already completed confirm the benefit of supplementary D.H.E.A. This research demonstrates that D.H.E.A. can prevent the damage to the blood vessel walls that precedes cardiovascular disease. D.H.E.A. also thwarts the development of skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and certain immune diseases like lupus as illustrated in other animal studies. In addition, D.H.E.A. prevents obesity in aged rats and increases their life expectancy by 30 to 50 percent. Since studies with D.H.E.A. have been successful in prolonging life and retarding disease in rats, will these effects carry through in humans? In the United States, DHEA is sold as a supplement over-the-counter.  If the FDA finds no problem with it, why not measure your blood levels and supplement accordingly? Just to see the difference one hormone from the life-pyramid can do for you remaining the healthy, youthful thinking and acting YOU!

Human Studies
More than 3000 medical articles have been written about D.H.E.A. in the last 5-6 years! Many of these evaluate the difference in the amounts of D.H.E.A. between healthy and sick individuals. As confirmed at the series of international meeting, D.H.E.A. may hold a key to understanding many diseases. Studies in human subjects substantiate the benefits of D.H.E.A.. SSC Yen reported(1) in a 1994 study of "advancing age" (age over 50) an improvement of physical and psychological well-being in both genders and the absence of side-effects when on D.H.E.A. supplements compared to a placebo (empty pill). Other studies note that those on D.H.E.A. slept better, awoke refreshed, had greater endurance to perform activities, and may have had an improved sex life. Mortola and Yen(2) proved the safety of D.H.E.A. in doses up to 1600 mg daily. Still other researchers demonstrated safety in amounts 10 times higher. Recently, McGuire(3) at Stanford University found that 200 mg of D.H.E.A. relieved some of the severe symptoms associated with lupus erythematosis, including arthritis, steroid use, renal damage and fatigue with minimal side-effects.

For more on D.H.E.A. contact Dr. Lichten at (248) 593-9999 or via email at drlichten@yahoo.com. Visit Dr. Lichten's website at http://www.usdoctor.com/.