Is DHEA a prescription drug or a vitamin supplement?
I need to get some . . .
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
I'm taking this and the doctor does have to prescribe it. It is a hormone and is supposed to be the mother of the hormones in that it can convert itself to whatever hormone you need.
I have to go to a special apothecary to compound it as normal pharmacies do not make it.
It is inexpensive. I have been on it 90 days so far and am doing much better but not sure if DHEA is the reason why. I am doing many things with my doctor.
A chiropractor did tell me you have to be on DHEA 90 days before a noticeable change. I am just now completing my first 90 days dose.
I believe I will be on this the remainder of my life as I am 50 and your natural DHEA does deplete with age.
It is available across the counter but not at a very effective dose and I believe I read it can be dangerous to take too much so you want a doctor to test before you start taking it.
I was very low when tested.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I buy mine at the health food store. I take 5 mg per day. It's a hormone.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
I buy mine from a supplement site. It does not need a rx, however, if you are a a female I would suggest discussing this with your LLMD prior to using.
You can be tested and if your levels are low you need to supplement. If not, you probably should not be on it.
I used Great Smokies Lab, which I believe now has a new name.
Posted by elle (Member # 7721) on :
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone, a chemical cousin of testosterone and estrogen. It is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which sit atop each kidney.
Pregnenonlone is a hormone precursor that the body normally manufactures using cholesterol as the primary raw material. In the body, it can be converted into a multitude of other hormones including DHEA, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.
Both are available at health food stores. Neither should be taken unless recommended by a health care professional.
Posted by SAK (Member # 7387) on :
Thanks for all the posts and valuable info.
I guess DHEA can be both a drug (from pharmacy) and a supplement (from health food store). Am I right?
Of course, my doc thinks I should be on it because my testosterone is so low. I just didn't get to ask about it.