What is DHEA and Estrogen?

1. Simmons Center for Health & Wellness
FRONTENAC OFFICE
1026 N. Hwy 69
Frontenac, KS 66763
Phone: 620.231.9669
Fax: 620.231.4585
GALENA OFFICE
198 Four States D
Galena, KS
Phone: 417.623.9669
Fax: 620.231.4585
KANSAS CITY/LEAWOOD OFFICE
5251 West 116th Place
Leawood, KS
Phone: 913.396.6999

2. What is DHEA (Dihydroepiandrosterone)
Forty percent of the DHEA produced in a woman’s body is made by the ovaries and in a man’s
body, it’s the gonads. The primary source of the remaining 60 percent of DHEA is from the
adrenal glands and declines over the years. People exposed to high levels of stress during
their life, very often have low levels of DHEA.
DHEA is also known as an anti-aging hormone and appears to be a direct correlation between
levels of DHEA and longevity. People with the highest levels of DHEA seem to live longer.
Perhaps this is related to the fact that DHEA stimulates the production of human growth
hormone (HGH), sometimes referred to as the “fountain of youth” hormone. DHEA has been
shown to enhance memory and mental acuity and to decrease depression.
DHEA influences the immune system and helps prevent some cancers, arthritis and is
beneficial to the cardiovascular system. DHEA can have the same effect as the “good”
cholesterol (HDL) on the “bad” cholesterol (LDL), in that it prevents its oxidation, which can
cause damage to the coronary arteries.
DHEA is also known as the “fat-burning” hormone. The most likely reasoning is, it promotes
weight loss because it causes lower insulin levels, just as progesterone and testosterone do.

3. What Does it do?
DHEA is like any other hormone and needs careful monitoring of blood levels to obtain optimal
effects and decrease risks of side effects. Dr. Simmons recommends DHEA by prescription from a
compounding pharmacy, as you are assured of receiving the pharmaceutical dosage. Buying DHEA
over the counter is available, although it is less reliable, since standards for regulating dosages are
low or non-existent. Hormones are potent chemicals and one should seek medical intervention
when using them.
The most common side effect of DHEA is “acne” ~ an indication that most likely some of the DHEA is
being converted into Testosterone. If this is happening to you, ask Dr. Simmons if switching to
another type of DHEA such as, 7-keto DHEA that does not convert into testosterone or estrogen may
be a better choice for you.

4. What is Estrogen in (MEN)
Yes, men produce estrogen. The level of testosterone in men starts dropping when they are in
their 20’s, becoming very low by the age of 50. While this is happening, the level of estrogen,
AKA-estradiol is rising. Men in their 50’s and beyond almost always, have higher levels of
estrogen than women have. With the almost, nonexistent production of progesterone at the
same time, to protect them from the elevated estrogen, it continues to rise and so does the
chances of damaging blood vessels (strokes) increase chances of coronary artery spasms and
heart attacks, increase in headaches (particularly Migraine) and increase chance of colon
cancer just to name a few. With the possible vascular damage, comes fluid retention,
especially in the lower legs/ankles.

5. What does it do?
Estrogen is known to be Lipogenic: it creates FAT and Cellulite which is noticed more on men in his
stomach region, his lower back/buttocks and he begins to develop breast and/or already developed
breasts become enlarged.
Good news though, Dr. Simmons has the expert advice of how to reduce estrogen (estradiol) level in
men. Ask him about the medication: Arimidex and if taking this pill once daily would reduce elevated
estrogen level causing your symptoms.