DHEA Complete provides both bio-identical DHEA and its active metabolite 7-Keto® DHEA, along with an antioxidant blend. 7-Keto® DHEA has been shown to safely increase thermogenesis, reduce body fat and help maintain healthy body weight when combined with a diet and exercise program. Recent clinical studies indicated that 7-Keto® DHEA increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. Antioxidants are added based on the effect 7-Keto® has in boosting mitochondrial oxidation.
Supplement to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary. For more information on DHEA, see the section on Hormones.
DHEA usage and safety precautions Life Extension has been investigating DHEA for more than 28 years. Life Extension's DHEA directions for use are specially drafted to provide optimal, but safe dosing.
The standard blood test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEA sulfate levels (DHEA-S). The DHEA-S is calculated in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood. 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.
Because of the overwhelming evidence connecting low levels of DHEA to problems associated with aging, Life Extension suggests that all people over age 40 begin DHEA therapy. For most people, the starting dose of DHEA is between 15-75 mg, taken in one daily dose. Many studies have used a daily dose of 50 mg.
Ideally, DHEA replacement therapy should begin with blood testing to establish a base range. Since almost everyone over age 35-40 has lower than optimal levels of DHEA, most people begin supplementation and test their blood DHEA levels later to make sure they are taking the proper dose. Normal serum reference ranges and ideal ranges of DHEA-S are:
| Range | Men | Women |
| Normal | 280-640 mcg/dL | 65-380 mcg/dL |
| Ideal | 500-640 mcg/dL | 250-380 mcg/dL |
People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100 as a steady decline takes place after the third decade in life. Some people obtain a baseline DHEA-S blood test before beginning DHEA supplementation. Sometimes it is 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.
DHEA precautions for men
Before attempting to restore DHEA to youthful levels, men should know their serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) level and have passed a digital rectal exam. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate disease are advised to avoid DHEA since it can be converted into testosterone (and estrogen). Therefore, men are advised to have a PSA and digital rectal exam before initiating DHEA to rule out existing prostate disease.
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking Vitamin E, Ultra Natural Prostate, and Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones.
It is important for men over 40 to consult their physician to check their PSA and DHEA-S serum levels every six to twelve months thereafter. Men should also periodically check their blood levels for free testosterone and estrogen to make sure that DHEA is following a youthful metabolic pathway.
See the Male Hormone Restoration health concern for additional hormone balance testing that can be done at the same time serum DHEA and PSA levels are being tested.
DHEA precautions for women
Women should consider estrogen and testosterone testing when they take their DHEA blood test in order to evaluate DHEA's effect on their blood levels of these hormones.
Women who have been diagnosed with an estrogen dependent cancer should consult their physicians before beginning the DHEA restoration process.
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking Melatonin, Vitamin E, Vitamin D3, Gamma E Tocopherol, and Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones.
Women taking DHEA should refer to the Female Hormone Restoration health concern for information about restoring youthful hormone balance.
DHEA supplementation
The Life Extension Foundation Buyers Club offers DHEA supplements that conform to the following specifications:
- 99.9% purity
- Micronized (for maximum absorption and utilization)
- Manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions
This is a comprehensive DHEA formula with added 7-Keto® DHEA. 7-Keto-DHEA is a natural metabolite of DHEA that has been shown to safely increase thermogenesis, and help maintain healthy body weight and body fat when combined with a diet and exercise program. Recent clinical studies indicated that 7-Keto® DHEA increases the resting metabolic rate of adults.16 Antioxidants are added based on the effect 7-Keto® has in boosting mitochondrial oxidation.
