DHEA for Lupus

prayingtogetbetter

New Member

Joined : Jul 2008

Posts : 11

Posted 7/12/2008 2:00 PM (GMT -7)

Anyone heard about taking DHEA to help with Lupus symptoms?

Wondering if anyones tried it, had good or bad experiences with it, etc?

Fill me in... I'm thinking about it.

I've got a hormonal problem going on, and would like testosterone as well, but have no clue where to buy it, or how? Any suggestions on that too, through my way. I believe if we can get rid of the estrogen dominance, with either progesterone, testosterone or both...it would relieve many symptoms---especially menstrual.

Thanks

Katie

AlwaysRosie

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 8616

Posted 7/12/2008 2:51 PM (GMT -7)

Katie, Here is a link to the topics that deal with Lupus/DHEA on this site: Links I just used the "Search Site" window at the top of the page. You can check things out there to get info from past posts, as these questions come up frequently and there will be more dialogue to look at there. IMHO you are playing with fire if you try to manage the reporductive hormones you've mentioned on your own. This requires a real skill and lots of repeat testing to make sure you don't really fowl things up. It takes a lot of time and patience to work through all the issues that we have sometimes. Your GYN would be a good place to start since your cycles are difficult and that doc would have training in assessing and balancing those hormones. I know I'm not much help and you are anxious for some relief. Hang in there! Blessings! In His Grip AlwaysRosie " We can't control the waves, but we can learn how to surf!! " Psalms 139 Co-Moderator - Lupus Forum UCTD, Inflammatory Arthritis, Diverticulosis, (recent dx - Sjogrens, Crohn’s 4/08) Clickable Links: Lupus Resources Lupous.Org Lupus Criteria (4 of 11) Lupus Chapter Locator

hippimom2

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 5403

Posted 7/12/2008 6:41 PM (GMT -7)

Katie, several years ago I read about DHEA and was really tempted to try it and even bought some from a health food store, but I chickened out and never tried it. I'm afraid to take it because right now most supplements aren't regulated through the FDA, so you never really know what you are getting. I was also leary of some of the possible side effects like facial hair. Now I'm on a good combination of meds that are working pretty well, so I haven't looked into DHEA for a long time. Diagnosis: UCTD (lupus) 2006; Raynauds 2006; Sjogren's 2006; lupus symptoms began 2003; UC 2008; CFS 1991; Mono 1985 Meds: Plaquenil 400mg; Prednisone 5-10mg; Tramadol 100mg 3-4x daily; Doxepin 25-50mg; Prevacid; Evoxac; Steriod Cream and Mouth Rinse for tongue and mouth ulcers; Hydrocodone 5/500 prn for severe pain; Artificial tears Clickable: LUPUS INFORMATION & LUPUS RESOURCES . Please allow HealingWell to continue helping others by donating: https://www.healingwell.com/donate/ Co-Moderator: Lupus and CFS Forums

Lynnwood

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Joined : May 2005

Posts : 7766

Posted 7/12/2008 7:13 PM (GMT -7)

So now you're like me & get facial hair from prednisone, hippi? Lynnwood, Co-Moderator: Lupus Forum SLE (’00), Sjogren's Syndrome, Raynaud's Syndrome, SAD, Depression, Herpes Simplex 1 Piroxicam, Plaquenil, Prednisone(was 15mg, now 8mg), Cellcept , Xanax , Trazodone, Boniva(3mth shot), Wellbrutrin SR, Valtrex Links: DIAGNOSING LUPUS (4 of 11) , LUPUS INFORMATION , LUPUS RESOURCES , Donate to HealingWell , Drug Interactions

Barbara Lee

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2003

Posts : 2889

Posted 7/12/2008 8:04 PM (GMT -7)

Hi Katie:

I have taken DHEA per my Rheumys instruction. I took it for about 6 months back in 2003, I honestly can say it didn't make a difference in my condition. I've been flaring for almost 3 years now, I truly think that since I've got several disease going on, that they are all fighting against each other and making me very sick. My doctors are at a point where they just don't know what to do for me.

I'm in pain day in and day out. I never have a moments peace from the pain and fatigue. I'd recommend that you let your doctor offer you plaquenil and see if it makes a difference. Plaquenil is the medication that has the least side effects. Lots of Rheumys patients w/o having a firm DX. Sometimes they aren't sure what you have, whether it's SLE. UCTD, or MCTd, they treat you symptoms.

I hope that you can get some answers and that you start feeling better real soon. Welcome to the forum and if I can be of any help just ask.

Take care,
Barbara

dx fibro, SLE, glaucoma, cateracts, bells palsy, depression, migraine headaches, gastreopaersis, chronic anemia, RA,MDS (Blood Cancer). Tons of meds.

hippimom2

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 5403

Posted 7/13/2008 8:39 AM (GMT -7)

Lynnwood said... So now you're like me & get facial hair from prednisone, hippi? Yep, I guess I got stuck with it anyway Diagnosis: UCTD (lupus) 2006; Raynauds 2006; Sjogren's 2006; lupus symptoms began 2003; UC 2008; CFS 1991; Mono 1985 Meds: Plaquenil 400mg; Prednisone 5-10mg; Tramadol 100mg 3-4x daily; Doxepin 25-50mg; Prevacid; Evoxac; Steriod Cream and Mouth Rinse for tongue and mouth ulcers; Hydrocodone 5/500 prn for severe pain; Artificial tears Clickable: LUPUS INFORMATION & LUPUS RESOURCES . Please allow HealingWell to continue helping others by donating: https://www.healingwell.com/donate/ Co-Moderator: Lupus and CFS Forums

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