DHEA Introduction

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands found atop of the kidneys in the human body. DHEA is structurally similar to, and is a precursor of testosterone and estrogen.

In blood, DHEA is found as its derivative dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.DHEA production peaks in early adulthood, around the age of 20, and declines afterwards. It is theorized by some that this decline may be due to reduced oxygen and glucose supply to the adrenal glands as a result of age-related atherosclerosis. It is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body.

7-Keto-dhea Information

7-Keto (3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). In the body, 7-Keto is not converted into testosterone or estrogen to any appreciable degree. 7-Keto, as a downstream metabolite of DHEA, is produced in the body during the degradation of DHEA. 7 Keto can be measured in the blood as a ketosteroid. 

1. Improves immune system function 
2.Aids in weight reduction / Thermogenic 
3.Supports thyroid function 
4.Non-androgenic or estrogenic 
5.Enhances memory 

Because 7-Keto is a downstream metabolite of DHEA it is promoted as being a "non-androgenic" or "estrogenic" version of DHEA. It is also promoted as a weight loss aid for its supposed thermogenic effect. Animal studies demonstrate that it can enhance thermogenesis, which may translate into weight loss. Because DHEA levels decline as we age and ketosteroids are made from DHEA, all conditions which may benefit from DHEA supplementation, may also benefit from 7-Keto. 

7-Keto supplements, at a dose of 200mg/day in adults ~25 to 55 years of age has been shown in one poorly designed trial to enhance weight loss, aid in the reduction of body fat and effect thyroid hormone levels. This two-month study also demonstrated that 7-Keto does not significantly effect blood sugar, testosterone, estradiol, liver or kidney function, but the "significant" weight loss benefits were more do to an unbalanced study designthan to any real benefit of the supplement (the group receiving the supplement were significantly heavier/fatter at the start of the study compared to the control group). Another study showed that 200mg/day of 7-Keto for 8 weeks does not effect dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, cortisol and insulin levels in men 18-49 years of age. Several animal studies have demonstrated that 7-Keto, like other anabolic hormones, can induce thermogenic enzymes. One trial with 7-Keto demonstrated that it could bolster interleukin 2 production in lymphocytes, but this study was conducted in cells (in vitro) and not in humans. 7-Keto has also been shown in mice to improve memory (water maze procedure).

Our 7-Keto DHEA supplement conforms to the following specifications:

- 99.9% purity (European-derived DHEA) 
- Micronized (for maximum absorption and utilization) 
- Manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions 


7-Keto DHEA dosing and safety precautions
The Life Extension Foundation has been investigating DHEA for more than 20 years. Life Extension's DHEA directions for use are specially drafted to provide optimal, but safe dosing.

A DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) blood test may be taken three to six weeks after initiating DHEA supplementation regimen to help determine optimal dosing. When having your blood tested for DHEA, blood should be drawn three to four hours after the last dose. DHEA testing may save you money if it shows that you can take less DHEA to maintain youthful DHEA serum levels.  The standard blood test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEA-S. The DHEAS is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood.

People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100. Some people obtain a baseline DHEA-S blood test before beginning DHEA supplementation. However, based upon numerous DHEA blood tests evaluated by the Life Extension Foundation, anyone over 40 who does not supplement with DHEA is already deficient in serum DHEA.* Therefore it may be more economical to have the first DHEA blood test three to six weeks after initiating DHEA. There are precautions that should be observed that are different for men and women.