Dhea: A Practical Guide [Paperback]

Ray Sahelian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

A hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is produced by the adrenal glands, is now available without a prescription. Researchers claim that DHEA is a means to boosting sex drive, enhancing energy, mood, and memory, and improving the immune system. Further to its credit, it has been touted as an aid to weight loss and a way to increase muscle mass. Additionally, DHEA is being used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. However, author Dr. Ray Sahelian maintains it is a more complex issue and that you should be well-informed if planning to take this hormone. He provides straightforward answers regarding the benefits and limitations of this vital and important supplement. In DHEA: A Practical Guide, Dr. Sahelian discusses the safety of DHEA, how DHEA affects the brain, heart, and immune system, DHEA levels throughout life, and what is known about DHEA's anti-aging potential. He covers, in-depth, the practical aspects of how much to take and when, and even includes personal stories of DHEA users. His clear and concise style makes it easy to learn anything one might want to know about DHEA.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Fountain of youth or just another hopeful fad preying on aging baby boomers? You decide. Dr. Sahelian has collected testimonials from doctors, researchers and patients. He's interviewed researchers on both sides of the fence. He's combed the medical literature for studies and has interpreted them into plain English. His bias is in favor of DHEA but he cautions us to look carefully at the studies and not get caught up in the hype.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Avery; 1 edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895297744
• ISBN-13: 978-0895297747
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #949,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and interesting work on DHEA, January 6, 2007

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Dhea: A Practical Guide (Paperback)

DHEA is a natural hormone that declines with age from the late 20s. Since DHEA is a precursor to the estrogens and androgens, this drop in DHEA production has an effect on the body. The author mentions various studies done on rodents as regards the impact of DHEA on longevity, which is very positive. But because such studies do not automatically hold true for humans, he concentrates on the results of human studies.

Amongst the biological indicators assessed in these studies are an increase in lean body mass, improved psychological and physical well-being, better coping with stress and increased energy levels. Sahelian interviewed top researchers in the field, who although cautious, consider DHEA supplementation to be beneficial. The hormone appears to exert remedial effects in increasing muscle strength, lean body mass and immune function.

The author discusses the various ways in which DHEA may fight and prevent cancer. For example, one study showed that the hormone boosted the power of T-cell function and disrupts the oxidizing effect of chemical carcinogens on cells. Other research suggests that it may have a wide range of salutary effects including the reduction of inflammation. Much work needs to be done, but people wishing to take DHEA should do so under the supervision of a physician.

It would also be wise to simultaneously take supplements of other anti-oxidants like selenium and various vitamins. At this stage there are no clear guidelines as to dosage but it would appear that DHEA supplementation should be considered by people over the age of 40. Because of unknown long-term effects, the author urges people to take the lowest amount and with frequent intervals.

Sahelian's writing is often witty and always clear and accessible to readers with no medical knowledge. I also recommend other books by this author, like Mind Boosters: A Guide To Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory And Mood, Pregnenolone, and Melatonin: Nature's Sleeping Pill.