Is DHEA right for you? That question deserves some serious thought. I've brought up this supplement several times in recent months, because I take it for anxiety. For awhile, it was part of my daily routine, but when I found other things that help calm my nerves, I decided to reserve DHEA just for the times when I really need it.
About DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid that occurs naturally in your body. Two key words in that sentence may seem somewhat contradictory: "naturally" is something we tend to think of as good, while "steroid" might be a little scary.
Just because something is "natural" and sold over the counter doesn't mean it's perfectly safe. Steroids can be dangerous, so any DHEA use should be discussed with and monitored by your doctor.
So far, we don't have good studies showing that DHEA is effective specifically for symptoms fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, we do have evidence that it can help some problems common in us.
Studies show DHEA supplements can help alleviate adrenal insufficiency and mild depression. It's used to treat symptoms of lupus and multiple sclerosis, which are similar to our symptoms. Some doctors and patients say DHEA helps relieve the stress and anxiety we get, but so far that's not scientifically proven.
My Experience
Based on my own experience, I believe DHEA does relieve my anxiety. I carry it with me for those times when I feel anxiety creeping up -- such as at the grocery store, in a crowded place, or at a movie.
As I said, I no longer take it every day, and that's because of the risks. Instead, I take theanine daily because it's calming without the potential for side effects. However, for me at least, it doesn't seem to be as effective at heading off an anxiety attack in its early stages.
Here's more information for you, including possible side effects and common dosages: DHEA Profile.
What's your experience? Have you tried DHEA? How has it worked for you? Are you worried about taking a steroid? Share your experience by leaving a comment below!
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The best thing I have tried for anxiety is a supplement called Picamilon. From the research I have done on line there are very few side effects. I have never had any and I am so super sensitive to meds and supplements. I love it and like DHEA it can be taken right as you start stressing out. I highly recommend it for those of us with CFS.
A few months before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a rheumatologist suggested I try taking COQ10 and DHEA. I found that the DHEA didn’t help my FM, but it did/does help my IBS somewhat. My primary care physician at the time (in Miami) said it should help the IBS and wasn’t surprised that it had this affect in me.
Margo,
Thanks for that information! Now that I think about it, I can see that my intestinal problems got worse when I stopped taking DHEA on a daily basis. Maybe I need to add it back into the mix.
Many of us who have Fibro and chronic fatigue also have allergies.
DHEA is a precursor to hormones, and it can cause horrible allergies–skin itch, rash, name it.
Some may swear by it, but some get worse because of it. So before you buy a large amount, try it for a week.
I cannot take DHEA or estrogen. Last time I took estrogen (smallest amount), it took 9 months before I finally stopped itching!!!
DHEA did exactly the same!!!
I have struggled with chronic fatigue for years and tried a number of treatments. About a year ago my physician tested my DHEA level and found it extremely low. I started taking 25-50 mg per day and found it reduced my fatigue by 50-75%. I also found that taking a dose at bedtime helps my morning energy level. My physician recommends taking DHEA for 3 months and then skip a month. It seems to loose some of it’s effectivness when taken continously. I think anyone with chronic fatigue should have their DHEA level tested.
Yes anyone who has had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should go and test their adrenals for cortsiol and DHEA levels (the 24 hour saliva test is most effective), and also their thyroid function and also check your vitamin D levels. All of these can be affected if you have suffered CFS. After just finding out I have low DHEA and cosrtisol levels I have just started taking 25mg of DHEA (not synthetic kind, its natually sourced from yam, make sure you get a recommended source), and after a few weeks have noticed an improvement, energy up, a change in mood – anxiety has lessened, less depressed, sleep much better, digestive disorders better. Its early days and it probably takes a while to adjust in the body, so I am hoping for more improvement. My doctor suggested re-testing for cortisol/dhea after 3 months, so I’ll see how it goes. After years of not feeling well and just putting up with it (had CFS 13 years ago) I am hoping DHEA will really help, we shall see!
i was taking 5mg dhea for three months
first month 1 tab 2 time a day for not much affect
next 2 months 2 tabs 2 times a day for a much greater affect
alot more energy working long hours feeling stronger running more playing more with the kids.
not taking it a the moment as i can’t get it through customs
my a 47 year old male i live and work on our farm in south australia
I’ve never heard of taking DHEA only periodically for acute attacks of anything. Since it is basically premetabolite or other hormones, I don’t quite understand how it could work that quickly.
I’m a big believer in replacement levels for those of us who test low for it. I have SLE, and while I am generally skeptical, I couldn’t deny what a major positive benefit it had for me when I started it. I’ve stopped through laziness and eventually restarted taking it many times over the years, and each time the improvement in my energy level, cognition, and general sense of well-being astonished me. I always think, “D’oh, why did I stop taking this again?”
DHEA has so many benefits for so many systems in the body, I think it is worth investigating for any chronically ill person. It isn’t appropriate for all patients, by any means, but I think it could and should be used under the guidance of a doctor more widely than it seems to be now.