DescriptionDHEA plus capsules may be a useful nutritional
supplement for individuals who wish to support the
body’s normal DHEA and pregnenolone functions.
DHEA Plus capsules, provided by Douglas
Laboratories®, contain 25 mg each of highest purity
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone.
Both are produced under strict Good Manufacturing
Practices (GMP) standards.DosageAs a dietary supplement, take 1- 2 capsules daily, or
as directed by the physician.Supplement FactsEach capsule contains:
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) .................25 mg
Pregnenolone (3-alpha-hydroxy-5-betapregnen-
20-one)
.......................................25 mg
Product ResearchDHEA is a natural steroid hormone that is
synthesized from cholesterol through pregnenolone
by the adrenal glands. DHEA acts as an antagonist
for glucocorticosteroid hormones and is the parent
precursor for other important steroid hormones, such
as estradiol and other estrogens, and testosterone.
While not a precursor to progesterone, DHEA can
indirectly influence progesterone synthesis through a
feedback mechanism where pregnenolone is
converted to progesterone based on DHEA levels.
Apart from these functions, DHEA also has important
biological functions itself. Recent experimental and
human studies show that DHEA is involved in large
variety of physiological processes, including immune
system, brain function, bone metabolism, blood lipid
metabolism, energy metabolism, the regulation of
normal blood sugar and insulin levels, and the
maintenance of lean body mass.
DHEA and its metabolite DHEA sulfate are present
in human adult plasma in concentrations of 0.01-0.02
µM and 5 - 7 µM, respectively. DHEA sulfate levels
are low in early childhood, begin to rise after 7, peak
at age 20-24, and the drop at a rate of approximately
20% per decade, until at age 85-80, levels are 10-
15% of what they used to be at age 20-30. DHEA
levels also decline under a variety of conditions of
physiological stress, such as acute and chronic
infections, and trauma. Vegetarians have been shown
to have decreased DHEA levels as well.
Pregnenolone is often referred to as the grandparent
precursor to steroid hormones in mammals.
Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the
mitochondria of adrenal glands. Pregnenolone is also
made to a lesser extent in the brain, liver, skin, testes
and ovaries. Once synthesized, pregnenolone is
released from the mitochondria into the cytosol
where it can be converted to DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone) or to progesterone.
Progesterone is the precursor to cortisol, aldosterone,
androstenedione, estrogen, and testosterone.
Pregnenolone may also be secreted directly into the
blood where it circulates primarily as the sulfated
form. Pregnenolone has many actions of its own not
attributable to its conversion to progesterone or to
DHEA. Recent studies show that pregnenolone is
important for the function of brain, nervous tissue,
liver, pancreas, reproductive tissues, pituitary and
skin. Pregnenolone is found in higher concentrations
in the central nervous system compared to the
peripheral tissues which may reflect its importance in
brain function.
As with DHEA, pregnenolone production declines
with age. It is estimated that pregnenolone
production is about 60% less at age 75 than at age 35.
Pregnenolone levels may also decline under various
conditions of physiological stress, such as acute and
chronic infections and trauma.
Supplementation of DHEA and pregnenolone
together may assist the body’s natural homeostatic
balance of these hormones and subsequent
metabolism.Safety InstructionsStore in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
Keep out of reach of children.CautionsPlease consult your physician before using this product.
Not to be taken by individuals under the age of 18. Do
not use this product if you have breast, uterine, ovarian
or prostate problems.
If you are at risk for or have
prostate, breast, uterine or ovarian cancer you should not
use this product.
If you are pregnant, nursing or taking
any prescription medication, especially other hormones
or MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) consult
with your physician before using this product.
This
product may cause changes in liver function, alterations
in hormone profiles, increased facial hair, acne, and
mood swings.
This product may cause virilization in
women.
