Keto Dhea And Cancer: Is There A Link?

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is an offshoot of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) produced in the adrenal glands. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. It is believed to promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and is also used for treating obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, and depression. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness and side effects. While it is likely safe for short-term use, there is a lack of information on its interaction with cancer. High blood levels of DHEA, the parent hormone of 7-keto-DHEA, have been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and DHEA supplementation has resulted in a flare-up of prostate cancer.

7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen

7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. This means that taking 7-keto-DHEA will not increase the levels of steroid hormones in the blood.

DHEA is a hormone produced by glands found around the kidneys and is referred to as the "parent hormone". 7-keto-DHEA is a prohormone produced by the metabolism of DHEA.

DHEA has been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. However, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into DHEA and therefore does not carry the same risks.

There is limited research on the effects of 7-keto-DHEA. It has been studied for its potential to promote weight loss, improve heart health, and reduce the effects of aging. It is also being investigated as a potential treatment for PTSD.

When taken orally, 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe for short-term use, up to 8 weeks. However, there is not enough information to determine its safety for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid use in these cases.

While 7-keto-DHEA does not affect hormone levels when taken orally, it may influence them when applied to the skin as a gel. Several studies have shown that 7-keto-DHEA gel can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men.

Overall, 7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is being studied for a variety of potential benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety.

7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.

Several studies have investigated the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss and metabolism. In one study, overweight individuals who took a 100 mg 7-Keto supplement for eight weeks lost significantly more weight than those who took a placebo. However, there was no difference in basal metabolic rate (BMR) between the two groups. BMR refers to the number of calories the body needs to perform basic functions like breathing and blood circulation. Another study found that 7-Keto increased the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight individuals. RMR is a less accurate measure than BMR but still provides valuable insight into metabolism. This study showed that 7-Keto not only prevented the decrease in metabolism typically associated with reduced-calorie diets but also increased metabolism by 1.4% above baseline levels, resulting in an extra 96 calories burned per day or 672 calories per week.

In an eight-week study involving 30 overweight individuals on a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise regimen, those who took 200 mg of 7-Keto daily lost 6.3 pounds, while the placebo group lost 2.1 pounds. Another study combined 7-keto-DHEA with seven other ingredients thought to have an additive effect. Participants who received this supplement while following a reduced-calorie diet and exercising lost significantly more weight than those in the placebo group. However, it is unclear whether this effect can be attributed solely to 7-Keto.

While 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects, there are some considerations to keep in mind. It has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) for use in sports, and it may influence hormones in men when applied as a gel instead of taken orally. Additionally, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as natural products may not always be safe, and dosages can be crucial.

7-keto-DHEA is well-tolerated when used short-term

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it has effects that might promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.

When taken orally, 7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and is well-tolerated when used short-term. It has been shown to be well-tolerated in men at doses of up to 200 mg per day for four weeks. However, other studies in both men and women have found some adverse effects, including heartburn, metallic taste, and nausea.

Despite its relatively safe track record, there are some considerations to keep in mind. 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been known to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, leading the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) to list it as a prohibited anabolic agent. Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA may affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function when applied to the skin as a gel.

While 7-keto-DHEA is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of side effects, the potential benefits and safety, particularly with long-term use, are not yet fully established. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of 7-keto-DHEA as a supplement.

7-keto-DHEA is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women

This is because 7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones such as androgen and estrogen. It is important to distinguish 7-keto-DHEA from DHEA, 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA, 7-beta-hydroxy-DHEA, and raspberry ketone, as they are not the same.

While 7-keto-DHEA has been shown to be possibly safe for oral use for up to 8 weeks with no serious side effects, there is still a lack of information regarding its safety for specific groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, to ensure the safety of both the mother and the child.

7-keto-DHEA is banned by WADA for use in sports

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA does not convert to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it has effects that may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.

Despite its potential benefits, 7-keto-DHEA is banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) for use in sports. WADA has listed the supplement as a prohibited anabolic agent, and it is prohibited at all times, both in and out of competition. This means that athletes subject to performance-enhancing drug tests should avoid taking 7-keto-DHEA supplements.

The reason for the ban is that 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been found to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. This is because 7-keto-DHEA is formed from DHEA, which is an androgen that can cause side effects such as the growth of facial hair, acne, and deepening of the voice. Additionally, DHEA can convert to estrogen in the body, increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

While 7-keto-DHEA is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for short-term use, its potential to be abused as a performance-enhancing drug in sports has led to its prohibition by WADA. Athletes should be aware of this ban and refrain from using 7-keto-DHEA supplements to avoid sanctions and maintain the integrity of drug-free competition.

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