Is DHEA a prescription medication?
No, it's available over the counter from chemists and health stores. There are two varieties: DHEA and DHEA Plus. The latter was developed for people who are physically very active, such as sportsmen and -women and serious trainers.
Can one take it with othermedication?
DHEA is a completely natural substance that should under normal circumstances be present in the body. It is therefore safe to take it with any other medication, except for hormone replacement therapy. Some people choose to stop the therapy and change to DHEA, others prefer to confer with their doctor or alternative health practitioner (such as a naturopath or homeopath) or with their pharmacists in order to effect a change-over in medication.
Who should use DHEA?
Anybody who has a deficiency. Specific blood tests can be done to establish if you do have a deficiency, but it is safe to assume, if you are over 40, suffer from stress and have various other health problems, that you could be suffering from a DHEA deficiency.
Who should not use it?
People suffering from prostate- or breast cancer. People receiving hormone replacement therapy should consult their medical or health practitioner first.
Are there any side effects to MLAsupplementation?
Although it is rare, there could be some discomfort in the breasts and slight feelings of nausea, but this is usually the case when the dosage is grossly exceeded for long periods of time - more than 100 mg per day for 6 months or more. The recommended dosage for DHEA is 25 - 50 mg per day and 50 - 100 g per day of DHEA Plus for very active people.
At the school we recommend that students start with 50 mg (2 tablets) of DHEA a day and if they experience any side-effects, to reduce the dosage to 25 mg (1 tablet) a day. If the symptoms persist, the dosage should be further reduced to 25 mg every second day. A 30-year old student who experienced these side-effects continued to reduce her dosage until the symptoms disappeared. She now takes 1 tablet (25 mg) every third day, with no side-effects other than a much improved ability to cope with stress!
You can managestress
I believe that the mismanagement of stress is the number one cause for the loss of quality of life. There is no reason on earth why you should live with the debilitating physical (and emotional) effects of stress. There is much that you can do to reduce your stress level. And at the back of the book you will find the names of two therapists. I know them both well, and therefore trust their techniques. If you do not live in their areas, they may very well be able to refer you to somebody that lives closer to you.
