weaning off HC, and impact of DHEA

[Guest guest]

Hi, everyone,

Weaning off HC. No problems going from 20mg to 17.5mg - waited three weeks on

the 17.5mg, everything great, then went down to 15mg. Dr. tested my DHEA which

was very low. She added in 25mg DHEA. Now it has been three weeks on the 15mg of

HC and the 25mg of DHEA - BIG PROBLEMS. Adrenal and hypo symptoms all coming

back. Feel miserable and unable to keep up with my life.

Is this due to the addition of DHEA, or could it be just my annual need to

increase the Armour at wintertime? Could DHEA do this to me? I should add that

my facial hair is growing.

Thanks for any advice!

Cherwyn

[Guest guest]

I was just doing a bit of research on DHEA last night and copied a

few things to post here. Here is what I found.

DHEA Supplimentation—

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/347263.html?

d=dmtContent

Because DHEA is a hormone related to other male and female hormones,

it is not a surprise that many side effects associated with DHEA are

caused by hormonal activities. For example, masculinization may occur

in women. This means that women using DHEA may be more prone to acne,

facial hair, hair loss, increased sweating, weight gain around the

waist and a deeper voice. Likewise, men may develop breasts or have

breast tenderness. Men may also experience increased blood pressure

or testicular wasting or may become more aggressive. There is also

the theoretical possibility of developing prostate, breast or ovarian

cancer caused by DHEA.

Other hormonally related side effects may involve increased blood

sugar levels, altered cholesterol levels and altered thyroid hormone

levels. In theory, DHEA may increase the risk of developing prostate,

breast or hormonal cancer. Based on laboratory research, DHEA may

contribute to tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. High DHEA levels

have been associated with Cushing's syndrome.

It is also possible that some drugs may reduce the normal levels of

DHEA produced by the body. Such drugs include insulin;

corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone; drugs used to treat

endometriosis, such as danazol; opiate painkillers; and estrogen-

containing drugs. DHEA may decrease the production of certain

hormones in the body. Caution is necessary if you have adrenal or

thyroid disorders.

Summary

Although DHEA has been suggested for many conditions, the best

evidence supports its use to improve symptoms associated with adrenal

insufficiency or 's disease. Adrenal insufficiency is a

serious medical condition and should be treated under the supervision

of a qualified health care professional. DHEA should be avoided in

pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and those with allergy to

DHEA supplements. DHEA may alter blood sugar levels, increase the

risk of blood clots, alter cholesterol or hormone levels and affect

heart rate or rhythm. DHEA may cause liver problems or psychological

effects, such as agitation or mania. Consult a health care

professional immediately if you experience side effects.

--I am sure there are many here who take DHEA and can help you. I

have hesitated taking it myself only bc I am afraid to upset my body

further. (since I am still hypo and starting to raise my Armour

again) Kind of sounds like the DHEA might have upset your Thyroid

balance......Maybe lowering the dosage might help you feel better?

Hope you feel better soon!

Dana

>

> Hi, everyone,

> Weaning off HC. No problems going from 20mg to 17.5mg - waited

three weeks on the 17.5mg, everything great, then went down to 15mg.

Dr. tested my DHEA which was very low. She added in 25mg DHEA. Now it

has been three weeks on the 15mg of HC and the 25mg of DHEA - BIG

PROBLEMS. Adrenal and hypo symptoms all coming back. Feel miserable

and unable to keep up with my life.

>

> Is this due to the addition of DHEA, or could it be just my annual

need to increase the Armour at wintertime? Could DHEA do this to me?

I should add that my facial hair is growing.

>

> Thanks for any advice!

>

> Cherwyn

>

>