7-keto-dhea
7-keto-dhea

Background

7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. But unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. Taking 7-keto-DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.

People take 7-keto-DHEA for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: 7-keto-DHEA is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 8 weeks. It might cause mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or low blood pressure in some people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if 7-keto-DHEA is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Obesity. Early research shows that taking 7-keto-DHEA along with exercise might help obese adults lose weight.
  • A type of anxiety that often develops after a terrifying event (post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD).
  • Aging.
  • Aging skin.
  • Anxiety.
  • Athletic performance.
  • Depression.
  • Memory.
  • Muscle strength.
  • Painful response to cold especially in the fingers and toes (Raynaud syndrome).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of 7-keto-DHEA for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of 7-keto-DHEA depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 7-keto-DHEA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if 7-Keto-DHEA interacts with any medicines. Before taking 7-Keto-DHEA, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

7-keto-DHEA might promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 04/05/2018 01:20:46. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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