Guest guest Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Interesting. You're right, I'm one of the ones that can take my Armour and then fall fast asleep :-) Take Care, Katy Re: DHEA Not a coinsidence. Some pts report that adrenal hormones taken at night help them to sleep better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 wrote: > Ok Groups, I would love to have some input on what is the best quality > DHEA that can be taken? I'm thinking about trying this in a very > small amt, since it is the precursor to so many hormones and converts > to what is needed (hopefully). I've been reading about it constantly > over the past few weeks, probably 50 or 60 different sources, and they > all say about the same things. If NEEDED (and I'm 55 now), then it > can improve the autoimmune part of thyroid disease (not the poor lame > thyroid itself, I know), mood, energy, blood pressure, but all the > articles I've read says don't expect any miracles. I'm just thinking > I need it. I cannot even use the Estrogel. After one week on that > stuff, my breathing was slowed down, and I was soooo sluggish, we can > probably guess what THAT was about. Sometimes I wonder. > > > I take DHEA over the counter now and then. My husband takes it regularly and has seen wonderful results in his weight loss, energy etc. However, the way the body converts it and which hormone it converts it too is not a certainty. In other word, it could convert to testosterone instead of estrogen. We use the schiff brand available at Walmart. This brand has had a blood test measurable increase on DHEA levels in both me and my husband. We both had low levels, his below range. We are now both in normal range. I would suggest you discuss it with your doctor and get your DHEA level tested before taking it. If your levels are normal, the additional DHEA may be harmful. Just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 Carole is correct. DHEA is tricky, even in pharmaceutical compounded form. Over-the-counter DHEA could contain just about anything, or nothing at all. It is my humble opinion that one should always try to go through a doctor when it comes to any and all hormone medications. I've seen numerous people get sick from self-medication with hormones, and my worst fear would be trying to explain what I've done to an EMT in an emergency. Once again, just my opinion. I am not a medical professional. As a side note, I had HORRIBLE DHEA levels when tested by Dr. . I had the levels of a 90 year old woman, and due to spending lots of time with my grandmother, I knew I had less energy than she did at the time. DHEA is powerful, and when you lack DHEA, it can affect the way your whole body functions. Best wishes-- Courtenay. This brand has > had a blood test measurable increase on DHEA levels > in both me and my > husband. We both had low levels, his below range. We > are now both in > normal range. I would suggest you discuss it with > your doctor and get > your DHEA level tested before taking it. If your > levels are normal, the > additional DHEA may be harmful. Just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 It is doutful, at my age, that I would have anything other than low levels of it, considering many unmentionable symptoms that I've been having just over the last 2 yrs or so, especially during this last yr. I also know that noone should go in taking something " blind " , so, if I start it, I would start with a very tiny dose and see how it goes. My local docs around here are quite stupid when it comes to any of this (I don't know how they get by in their profession really), and I don't have the money to be trying out different doctors, at all. I have many symptoms that are indicative of low DHEA and probably have absolutely NO testosterone at this point. I have read so many good things about it, but I wouldn't dare take it in the doses that I've seen mentioned (50 mgs or more, sheesh). I am now a hairless chihuahua all over, except for my head, and that certainly indicates something, plus extreme dryness (nope, I don't think it's caused by any low thyroid at this point) EVERYwhere, and no energy at all. I get plenty of sleep also, I make sure of that, I've learned. I've tried progesterone and did pretty well on it (cream), but it does make me sleepy, if I take the recommended dose (40 mgs or 1/4th tsp). I think that estrogen is probably out of the question for me, as I just ordered and tried the Estrogel. Believe me, it DOES work, because after one week on it, I swear, my heart rate went down to around 60 bpm and lower, with depressed breathing, 14 per minute, and sluggish sluggish sluggish. I knew what it was, so I immediately stopped it. When it comes to these latter symptoms, within one more week, I was fine. I truly think that it is this key hormone. Yes, I need testing, but will do it with the saliva tests. I believe they are more accurate IMO. Re: DHEA > I take DHEA over the counter now and then. My husband takes it regularly > and has seen wonderful results in his weight loss, energy etc. However, > the way the body converts it and which hormone it converts it too is not > a certainty. In other word, it could convert to testosterone instead of > estrogen. We use the schiff brand available at Walmart. This brand has > had a blood test measurable increase on DHEA levels in both me and my > husband. We both had low levels, his below range. We are now both in > normal range. I would suggest you discuss it with your doctor and get > your DHEA level tested before taking it. If your levels are normal, the > additional DHEA may be harmful. Just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 DHEA is a powerful hormone and you never know which conversion path it may take. One who takes DHEA needs to have all of their hormones tested. I do think it is risky for women to start on the larger doses. Some do need the 50 mg, but as with thyroid hormone, it is best to start low and increase slowly, especially for hypothyroid women who often have multiple hormone, nutrient and medication tolerance problems. I am now on 33 mg of compounded DHEA once a day, but Dr. R started me on something like 7 or 9 mg twice a day. I had been on OTC DHEA before I went to see Dr. R for the first time. We determined that it had been contaminated with my favorite hormone: testosterone! He told me that it was probably made in the same vats as the "Big T" and that the vats were probably not adequately cleaned in between batches. wrote: It is doutful, at my age, that I would have anything other than low levels of it, considering many unmentionable symptoms that I've been having just over the last 2 yrs or so, especially during this last yr. I also know that noone should go in taking something "blind", so, if I start it, I would start with a very tiny dose and see how it goes. My local docs around here are quite stupid when it comes to any of this (I don't know how they get by in their profession really), and I don't have the money to be trying out different doctors, at all. I have many symptoms that are indicative of low DHEA and probably have absolutely NO testosterone at this point. I have read so many good things about it, but I wouldn't dare take it in the doses that I've seen mentioned (50 mgs or more, sheesh). I am now a hairless chihuahua all over, except for my head, and that certainly indicates something, plus extreme dryness (nope, I don't think it's caused by any low thyroid at this point) EVERYwhere, and no energy at all. I get plenty of sleep also, I make sure of that, I've learned. I've tried progesterone and did pretty well on it (cream), but it does make me sleepy, if I take the recommended dose (40 mgs or 1/4th tsp). I think that estrogen is probably out of the question for me, as I just ordered and tried the Estrogel. Believe me, it DOES work, because after one week on it, I swear, my heart rate went down to around 60 bpm and lower, with depressed breathing, 14 per minute, and sluggish sluggish sluggish. I knew what it was, so I immediately stopped it. When it comes to these latter symptoms, within one more week, I was fine. I truly think that it is this key hormone. Yes, I need testing, but will do it with the saliva tests. I believe they are more accurate IMO. Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2006 Report Share Posted December 7, 2006 wrote: > It is doutful, at my age, that I would have anything other than low levels > of it, considering many unmentionable symptoms that I've been having just > over the last 2 yrs or so, especially during this last yr. I also know that > noone should go in taking something " blind " , so, if I start it, I would > start with a very tiny dose and see how it goes. My local docs around here > are quite stupid when it comes to any of this (I don't know how they get by > in their profession really), and I don't have the money to be trying out > different doctors, at all. I have many symptoms that are indicative of low > DHEA and probably have absolutely NO testosterone at this point. I have > read so many good things about it, but I wouldn't dare take it in the doses > that I've seen mentioned (50 mgs or more, sheesh). I am now a hairless > chihuahua all over, except for my head, and that certainly indicates > something, plus extreme dryness (nope, I don't think it's caused by any low > thyroid at this point) EVERYwhere, and no energy at all. I get plenty of > sleep also, I make sure of that, I've learned. I've tried progesterone and > did pretty well on it (cream), but it does make me sleepy, if I take the > recommended dose (40 mgs or 1/4th tsp). I think that estrogen is probably > out of the question for me, as I just ordered and tried the Estrogel. > Believe me, it DOES work, because after one week on it, I swear, my heart > rate went down to around 60 bpm and lower, with depressed breathing, 14 per > minute, and sluggish sluggish sluggish. I knew what it was, so I > immediately stopped it. When it comes to these latter symptoms, within one > more week, I was fine. I truly think that it is this key hormone. Yes, I > need testing, but will do it with the saliva tests. I believe they are more > accurate IMO. > > > > I agree with you about the extra low doses if you are determined to try it. I assume you have already tried flax seed oil and primrose oil both that are said to be good for women hormonal health. I took them and fish oil and cod liver oil and DHEA until I began to experience menstrual like cramps and breast milk. I stopped everything. All hormone levels tested fine. Again these are unproven things and may not help you at all in the hormone area and may create some problems like this combination did to me. I am not saying the DHEA caused the problem, but I do want to suggest that you be careful and watch for interactions and reactions. Sometimes these problems can be helped by a diet change. Do you think that is a possibility? Even though I get 50% of my calories(according to fitday) from fat, I will experience skin dryness if I don't regularly take a tablespoon of coconut oil. Just some ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2006 Report Share Posted December 8, 2006 I would have my levels tested first, to be sure I needed it... (which I did, BTW). Marti > Ok Groups, I would love to have some input on what is the best quality > DHEA that can be taken? I'm thinking about trying this in a very > small amt, since it is the precursor to so many hormones and converts > to what is needed (hopefully). I've been reading about it constantly > over the past few weeks, probably 50 or 60 different sources, and they > all say about the same things. If NEEDED (and I'm 55 now), then it > can improve the autoimmune part of thyroid disease (not the poor lame > thyroid itself, I know), mood, energy, blood pressure, but all the > articles I've read says don't expect any miracles. I'm just thinking > I need it. I cannot even use the Estrogel. After one week on that > stuff, my breathing was slowed down, and I was soooo sluggish, we can > probably guess what THAT was about. Sometimes I wonder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2006 Report Share Posted December 8, 2006 Yes, get the saliva testing on your own. Marti > Yes, I > need testing, but will do it with the saliva tests. I believe they > are more > accurate IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2006 Report Share Posted December 8, 2006 , I got my DHEA tested, along with adrenals, from Diagnos-Tech Labs. It was a much more comprehensive saliva test than the ZRT Labs version. Cost me $100, and my doc (MD) gave it to me. I'm not sure if you have to go through a doctor to get their test or not. Here's the version I did, and I thought it was well worth it. The Adrenal Stress Index™ (ASI™)Four saliva samples are used in the ASI™ for the following ten tests: 4 x Cortisol Helps evaluate stress response 2 x Insulin Helps investigate blood sugar control DHEA Helps determine stress adaptation Secretory IgA Helps evaluate toll on immunity 17-OH Progesterone Helps determine adrenal reserve Gluten Antibodies Helps identify grain intolerance Your health care provider can use the findings in this panel to recommend customized treatment and preventive measures that may include diet and lifestyle changes, hormones, botanicals and vitamins.Advantages of the ASI™ The test is non-invasive & can be performed wherever you are. Saliva is collected under real life conditions. There are no stressful blood draws and no gallon sized urine containers to carry around for 24 hours. With blood and urine testing, a number of borderline adrenal conditions are missed due to lack of sensitivity. This is not the case with the ASI™ because samples are taken within one circadian cycle and the more definitive free fraction is measured. The ASI™ is an in-depth test, such that options for treatment are expanded by 400-500% over serum and urine test results. Based on my results, I started on 5 mg DHEA in the morning for 2 weeks, upped it to 5 in the morning and 5 in the evening per my doc. I have since upped it to 10 in the a.m. and 10 in the evening, and I'm using an OTC version. I'm also on testosterone cream from Womens International. I think you and I are close in age. My DHEA was in the basement. I am seeing pleasant improvements. I had tried both pregnenalone and DHEA on my own a couple of years ago, but didn't do well on it. I think that was because I tried too high of a dose. I didn't do both at the same time -- tried them at different times, but I think I jumped in with both feet, and it wasn't advised. I am glad that I got the testing done, and I'd rather peel the layer of the onion back a little at a time. Here's the link to Diagnos-Tech Labs: http://www.diagnostechs.com/main.htm. HTH,Karla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2006 Report Share Posted December 8, 2006 Thanks Karla, for this info and the link. May I ask which OTC version of DHEA you are using? Re: DHEA , I got my DHEA tested, along with adrenals, from Diagnos-Tech Labs. It was a much more comprehensive saliva test than the ZRT Labs version. Cost me $100, and my doc (MD) gave it to me. I'm not sure if you have to go through a doctor to get their test or not. Here's the version I did, and I thought it was well worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 , I started with the Enzymatic Therapy brand of DHEA called Youthful You (5mg). It was difficult to find DHEA at my local vitamin store that was in that small of a dose, or didn't have extra stuff in it. Some of them had additional adrenal gland (bovine) which I absolutely do not want in my body, thankyouverymuch! So I did a Google search and ordered it online from Vitacost, I think (but am not sure). It was easier to find the next increment of 10mg in the store without the extra stuff. I am now taking Optimal Nutrients brand of pharmaceutical grade, micronized DHEA. That's the only thing in it, except for rice powder and the vegicaps ingredients. That, plus the testosterone cream from Women's International, seems to be making a happy difference. ;-) I can understand why some folks start on too high of a dose -- at least based on my initial foray into the store. Most of what was offered was minimal 25mg. HTH!Karla >> Thanks Karla, for this info and the link. May I ask which OTC version of DHEA you are using?> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 Is the testosterone cream by Rx only? I am looking for replacements for the very expensive bio-identicals I have been using... Marti > , > > I started with the Enzymatic Therapy brand of DHEA called Youthful You > (5mg). It was difficult to find DHEA at my local vitamin store that > was in that small of a dose, or didn't have extra stuff in it. Some of > them had additional adrenal gland (bovine) which I absolutely do not > want in my body, thankyouverymuch! So I did a Google search and > ordered it online from Vitacost, I think (but am not sure). > > It was easier to find the next increment of 10mg in the store without > the extra stuff. I am now taking Optimal Nutrients brand of > pharmaceutical grade, micronized DHEA. That's the only thing in it, > except for rice powder and the vegicaps ingredients. That, plus the > testosterone cream from Women's International, seems to be making a > happy difference. ;-) > > I can understand why some folks start on too high of a dose -- at > least based on my initial foray into the store. Most of what was > offered was minimal 25mg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 It is in Washington state where I am, and I believe everywhere based on the disclaimer that's on the Rx info from Women's International. Jan probably knows (she knows all!!!! ;-) Karla >> Is the testosterone cream by Rx only?> > I am looking for replacements for the very expensive bio-identicals I > have been using...> > Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 Testosterone is not only a prescription only drug, it is also a controlled substance. Therefore, you cannot buy it online from offshore pharmacies without a prescription as you can most other drugs. Typically, Womens International Pharmacy has better prices than what you can find online, as well as what you get from local compounders. But you can't get testosterone anywhere without a doctor's Rx. Karla wrote: It is in Washington state where I am, and I believe everywhere based on the disclaimer that's on the Rx info from Women's International. Jan probably knows (she knows all!!!! ;-) Karla >> Is the testosterone cream by Rx only?> > I am looking for replacements for the very expensive bio-identicals I > have been using...> > Marti___ __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 Dancer Thanks for this info. Yes, I used to take Evening Primrose in the 500 mg doses everyday, up until a couple of yrs ago, and I kept a supply of Flaxseeds that I put in my cereal, etc., but I stopped both of them, just forgot to buy any more. I had originally used the E.P. for the texture of my hair, when it was so dry from hypo. I just never got any results for my skin from any of these. It's as though there is no " fat " in my skin (but I have plenty around my midsection, lol) or under my skin, so that may be where that craving for fatty food comes from, not french fries and nasty things like that, but meat, etc.... Re: DHEA > I agree with you about the extra low doses if you are determined to try > it. I assume you have already tried flax seed oil and primrose oil both > that are said to be good for women hormonal health. I took them and fish > oil and cod liver oil and DHEA until I began to experience menstrual > like cramps and breast milk. I stopped everything. All hormone levels > tested fine. Again these are unproven things and may not help you at all > in the hormone area and may create some problems like this combination > did to me. I am not saying the DHEA caused the problem, but I do want to > suggest that you be careful and watch for interactions and reactions. > > Sometimes these problems can be helped by a diet change. Do you think > that is a possibility? Even though I get 50% of my calories(according to > fitday) from fat, I will experience skin dryness if I don't regularly > take a tablespoon of coconut oil. > > Just some ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 Yes, it is hard to find a small dose of this stuff in a "regular" store. I look at those "standard" 25 mg doses, and I'm thinking Do these people realize what they are taking and in what amt? If they did, it might make the hair stand up on the back of their neck, that is, if they have any hair when they start taking it, lol. Thanks Karla. Re: DHEA , I started with the Enzymatic Therapy brand of DHEA called Youthful You (5mg). It was difficult to find DHEA at my local vitamin store that was in that small of a dose, or didn't have extra stuff in it. Some of them had additional adrenal gland (bovine) which I absolutely do not want in my body, thankyouverymuch! So I did a Google search and ordered it online from Vitacost, I think (but am not sure). It was easier to find the next increment of 10mg in the store without the extra stuff. I am now taking Optimal Nutrients brand of pharmaceutical grade, micronized DHEA. That's the only thing in it, except for rice powder and the vegicaps ingredients. That, plus the testosterone cream from Women's International, seems to be making a happy difference. ;-) I can understand why some folks start on too high of a dose -- at least based on my initial foray into the store. Most of what was offered was minimal 25mg. HTH!Karla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 wrote: > Dancer > > Thanks for this info. Yes, I used to take Evening Primrose in the 500 mg > doses everyday, up until a couple of yrs ago, and I kept a supply of > Flaxseeds that I put in my cereal, etc., but I stopped both of them, just > forgot to buy any more. I had originally used the E.P. for the texture of > my hair, when it was so dry from hypo. I just never got any results for my > skin from any of these. It's as though there is no " fat " in my skin (but I > have plenty around my midsection, lol) or under my skin, so that may be > where that craving for fatty food comes from, not french fries and nasty > things like that, but meat, etc.... > > > > I rub a little bit of coconut oil in my hair ends to untangled it. It is so fine and frizzy from thyroid disease that it mats up terribly. I tried the coconut oil in desperation. It worked great. Better than the commercial products. I guess they aren't made for hypothyroid hair. Maybe you would enjoy fitday to measure what you eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2006 Report Share Posted December 9, 2006 wrote: > Yes, it is hard to find a small dose of this stuff in a " regular " > store. I look at those " standard " 25 mg doses, and I'm thinking Do > these people realize what they are taking and in what amt? If they > did, it might make the hair stand up on the back of their neck, that > is, if they have any hair when they start taking it, lol. Thanks Karla. > > > I took the OTC 25mg, cut it into 4 and only took a piece once every other day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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