Posted by chemist on December 21, 2004, at 6:49:39
In reply to DHEA for osteopenia? Anyone know anything?, posted by Racer on December 20, 2004, at 20:01:36
hello there, chemist here...DHEA is more likely to be of use as an androgen, although it has been noted to play a role similar to an estrogen (i am only vaguely aware of this last claim and would default to androgen in a pinch)...however, osteopenia is a step or two away from osteporosis, the former being a version suited for a younger audience (~40 years, +/-)...DHEA - the 3-beta conjugated sulphate (usually) sodium or potassium salt, actually - was used (do not know if still the practice) to determine steroid sulphatase function in the liver, but this is going back to the mid-1950s...the osteopenia bit is dicey as DHEA is a precursor for corticosteroids - again, about 50 years ago, established in the literature - and prolonged corticosteriod use is implicated in, among other things, osteoporosis....but, as far as i know - or recall - this is a glucocorticoid-related (elevation of) version of the malady, but one of many causes....the usual suspects such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, etc. are to be avoided, and as far as i know, estrogen and elemental calcium are the players. interestingly, you might be aware that addison's disease is treated (often) by a combination of aldosterone and a glucocorticoid - methylprednisalone (?) - so this also (via the aldosterone) brings into play your renal function, esp. sodium regulation anion gap, [K^{+}], etc. the glucocorticoids work on the sugar levels, carbs, and so forth.
so: i assume you are female - pardon the bias for noting the anorexia and osteoporosis connection - although i do believe the combination is more common in women than men. if you are a woman - again, i am not aware of men in my circle of friends/family that are of my age and gender which is that which would warrant the dx of osteopenia - you ought to know that testosterone levels are on the rise as you age, and DHEA would seem to be adding fuel to the fire if estrogen is what the doctor orders...in any event, i do hope some of this is of use...........all the best, chemist
> I came across a brief mention of DHEA for the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia related to anorexia. The article only mentioned it, though, wihtout details. Does anyone know anything about how or whether this would be helpful?
>
> Thanks!
poster:chemist
thread:432216
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20041005/msgs/432372.html