Q. Is DHEA a safe way to increase testosterone and improve libido? My wife and I take good care of ourselves, but we do have some health problems that require medications. Our sex life has suffered over the last few years.
I take metoprolol for high blood pressure and Lopid for cholesterol. My wife uses progesterone cream and Paxil for mild depression. We’ve heard that testosterone can really jump start libido, but we hate the idea of shots. DHEA seems like a natural solution but we wonder if there are any risks.
A. DHEA is a hormone the body uses to make both testosterone and estrogen. Recent studies of estrogen indicate that this female hormone increases the risk of breast cancer, blood clots and heart disease. Elevating estrogen via DHEA could pose health hazards. In addition, women may experience testosterone side effects such as acne and facial hair growth.
DHEA appears to improve libido for both men and women by increasing testosterone levels. But this male hormone may contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Rather than using DHEA over the counter, ask a doctor if it is appropriate. Shots are not the only way to get testosterone. It is available in prescription patches, gels and creams.
Both of you are taking medications that can reduce sex drive. If your physicians prescribed alternatives less likely to have that effect, you might not need DHEA.
We are sending you our Guides to Drugs that Affect Sexuality, Female Sexuality and Treating Sexual Dysfunction so you can be well informed before you meet with the doctor. Anyone who would like copies, please send $4 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. YPZ-962, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. My doctor has determined that I am low in B12 and need to take pills. But I hope you can explain exactly how they should be taken. My pharmacist made a point of telling me they must be taken on an empty stomach, but it says on the bottle to take them with meals. Which one is right?
A. We checked with biochemist Sheldon Hendler, M.D., editor of the PDR for Nutritional Supplements to resolve your question. B12 from food requires stomach acid for absorption, but the B12 from supplements does not. As a result, you can get benefit from your pills regardless of whether you take them with meals or on an empty stomach.
Q. I keep getting advertisements on the beneficial power of Chlorella. Can you tell me how well it works?
A. This Japanese algae has a high concentration of chlorophyll and certain vitamins and minerals. How well it works depends on how you plan to use it. A preliminary study suggests that Chlorella supplements may help ease the pain of fibromyalgia.
A placebo-controlled pilot study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (Fall, 2002) demonstrated that Chlorella supplements did not consistently reduce blood pressure. Many study participants reported better quality of life, however.
Q. I used tart cherries to cure a gout attack and it worked. Do you know why?
A. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in joints like toes, fingers or elbows. Tart cherries (fresh, frozen or canned) have a reputation for relieving the pain of gout, though there is no scientific explanation for relief.
12/28/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/can-dhea-turbo-charge-sex-life/
