Understanding 7-Keto Dhea: How Does It Work?

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body. DHEA is a parent hormone produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. People take 7-keto-DHEA to speed up their metabolism and heat production, which may promote weight loss.

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

DHEA is one of the most abundant circulating steroid hormones in the body and functions as a precursor to the male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. However, unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. When taken orally or applied to the skin, 7-keto-DHEA does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.

The effects of 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. It is also used to improve lean body mass and build muscle, increase thyroid gland activity, boost the immune system, enhance memory, and slow aging.

People take 7-keto-DHEA for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. While 7-keto-DHEA has a good safety record with most adults, it is not recommended for pregnant women or children.

It is not converted to sex hormones

7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. This is because 7-keto-DHEA is a different molecule that is created when the hormone DHEA is irreversibly broken down into smaller parts.

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that is abundant in the body. It is largely produced by the adrenal glands and is a vital precursor for other hormones, particularly sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. However, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into sex hormones and cannot be turned back into DHEA.

The fact that 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to sex hormones is significant because it means that it does not carry the same risks as DHEA. For example, DHEA has been associated with significant risks, and its suggested benefits are unproven. On the other hand, 7-keto-DHEA has a good safety record with most adults, although pregnant women and children should not take it. Additionally, DHEA can be converted into testosterone and estradiol, which can have adverse effects, while 7-keto-DHEA does not have these same effects.

While 7-keto-DHEA does not affect hormone levels when taken orally, it may influence hormones when applied to the skin as a gel. Studies have shown that when applied topically, 7-keto-DHEA can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men. However, the research on this topic has only been conducted on men, and the effects of 7-keto-DHEA gel on women are unknown.

In summary, 7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is derived from DHEA but does not share the same mechanism of action. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into sex hormones, which may make it a safer option for some individuals. However, it is important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement, especially if applying it topically, as this can have different effects on the body.

It may promote weight loss by speeding up metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body. DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. While DHEA is available in supplement form, its use is typically discouraged by scientists and doctors as many of its suggested benefits are unproven, and it has significant risks.

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 to speed up their metabolism and heat production to promote weight loss. It may influence sex hormones only as a gel and not an oral tablet. However, more research is needed on this supplement.

In one study, 33 overweight adults received 7-Keto DHEA supplements (200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. 7-keto, along with diet and exercise, reduced weight more than diet and exercise alone with no adverse effects.

In another study, 40 subjects took 7-keto both alone and in combination with other supplements (green tea extract, vitamin C, chromium, and vitamin D3). Both options increased the metabolic rate, helping to burn more calories. The overweight patients were also on a calorie-restricted diet.

In a third study, 30 overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet who exercised three days per week took 200 mg per day of 7-Keto. They lost 6.3 pounds (2.88 kg), compared to a 2.1-pound (0.97-kg) weight loss in the placebo group.

In a similar study, researchers looked at the effects of a supplement containing 7-keto-DHEA combined with seven other ingredients thought to have an additive effect on 7-keto-DHEA. While all participants adhered to a reduced-calorie diet and exercised three days per week, those who received the supplement lost significantly more weight (4.8 pounds or 2.2 kg) than people in the placebo group (1.6 pounds or 0.72 kg).

While these results suggest that 7-Keto may have the potential to increase metabolism and promote weight loss, more research is needed.

It is also used to improve lean body mass and build muscle

7-keto-DHEA is used to improve lean body mass and build muscle. It is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body by the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that taking 7-keto-DHEA orally or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.

It is thought that 7-keto-DHEA promotes weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and increasing heat production. This increase in thermogenesis, or heat production, is a possible mechanism to explain the weight loss effect associated with 7-keto-DHEA. The elevation in energy expenditure leads to an increase in metabolic rate, which in turn results in fat and weight loss.

Research has shown that 7-keto-DHEA is more thermogenic than its parent compound, DHEA. This thermogenic property is likely due to increased levels of thermogenic enzymes that shuttle substrate and electrons in and out of the mitochondria. 7-keto-DHEA also disrupts the electron transport chain and the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, leading to a decrease in the membrane potential and the dissipation of energy as heat. This process results in an increase in fatty acid oxidation, which promotes fat burning and weight loss.

In addition, 7-keto-DHEA may regulate local cortisol activity by competitively inhibiting the enzyme 11-beta-HSD 1. This enzyme catalyses the conversion of cortisone to active cortisol, which is associated with insulin resistance and obesity. By favouring the production of an inactive form of glucocorticoids, 7-keto-DHEA may help to reduce the negative effects of elevated blood glucocorticoid levels.

While there is some evidence to suggest that 7-keto-DHEA can promote weight loss and improve lean body mass, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. The studies conducted so far have been relatively small, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of 7-keto-DHEA.

It may influence hormones when applied to the skin as a gel

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it has thermogenic properties, increasing the production of heat in the body by promoting metabolism.

When taken as an oral supplement, 7-keto-DHEA does not increase the amount of sex hormones in the blood. However, when applied to the skin as a gel, it may influence hormones. Several studies have shown that when applied topically, 7-keto-DHEA can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men. The exact mechanism of this influence is not yet fully understood, and more research is needed to determine the extent of its effects.

It is important to note that the research conducted on the gel form of 7-keto-DHEA has only been done on men, and the effects on women are unknown. As with any supplement or topical application, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any specific health concerns.

While 7-keto-DHEA has shown promising results in boosting metabolism and aiding weight loss, the evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and fully understand its impact on hormone levels when applied to the skin.

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