Taking DHEA. Is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplements Right for You?

When leg muscle inflammation develops, a person experiences sharp pain in the lower extremities. Active person Every day he can walk up to several tens of kilometers, so his leg muscles will be very developed. But there are situations when muscle fibers quickly weaken, and if treatment is not started in time, then serious complications, up to atrophy.

In medicine inflammatory process, occurring in the leg muscles, is called myositis. With this disease, all the muscles covering the skeleton are gradually affected, which is why the entire motor system suffers. The disease spreads to both single and different groups muscles. Often acute form with illiterate treatment it becomes chronic, which can no longer be completely defeated.

Doctors identify the following main causes of the disease:

heavy physical activity;
infectious diseases;
injuries;
hypothermia;
heredity;
constant cramps;
chronic diseases of the spine and joints;
constantly arising stress.

The most common types of myositis are polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis is a very “young” disease that mainly affects women between 20 and 40 years old. The reasons for its occurrence have not yet been clarified; there are only assumptions that it could be hereditary predisposition or any virus. The disease can be caused by a common cold, stress or severe hypothermia. The main signs of damage to the body by dermatomyositis are characteristic rashes. Your health can deteriorate very sharply.

When polymyositis occurs, an entire muscle or several muscle groups are affected at once. It develops gradually, so the infected person discovers the disease already at a serious stage of development.

Myositis can be acute or chronic. As a rule, these forms are interrelated, in the absence or improper treatment acute gradually turns into chronic.

For chronic myositis painful sensations occur constantly, even after mild hypothermia, a long stay in uncomfortable position, weather changes.

How does the disease manifest?

Each disease has its own symptoms, they can be either common to the entire group or individual, and when they appear, the disease can be 100% diagnosed. The most pronounced muscle inflammation manifests itself in the form of:

severe swelling;
pain of various types;
possible increase in body temperature;
redness of soft tissues;
headache;
muscle weakness;
restrictions on joint movement.

With myositis, pain most often manifests itself in the lower leg area. And since the lower leg is necessarily involved in walking, the most severe pain arise precisely during movement.

Methods of treating the disease

For absolutely all muscle inflammations, treatment must begin as quickly as possible. With myositis, it is very important to correctly determine the main cause of the disease. You should not try to figure this out on your own; you should urgently contact a specialist.

If treated correctly and in a timely manner, relief will come very quickly and fighting the disease will not be difficult. Muscles lower limbs Treatment methods such as physiotherapy and massage are well received. At different forms inflammation can be dramatic different methods treatment. Additional influence is needed somewhere medical supplies from the inside, and somewhere it is very important to provide rest for the leg.

The duration and effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the form, severity and duration of the disease.

It is necessary to provide rest to the affected part of the body. Limit physical activity as much as possible.
Even with rare occurrence For pain, the doctor prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. They can be in the form of injections, capsules or tablets.
An excellent analogue of tablets are local gels and ointments. Additionally, they have an anti-inflammatory and warming effect.
If the cause of myositis is a serious mechanical injury, then novocaine blockade is recommended.
If the muscles are infected, treatment will be with antibiotics.
Physiotherapy.
Constantly keeping your feet in dry heat.
The use of manual therapy.
Several courses of therapeutic massage.
It is possible to use acupuncture.

Treatment of myositis at home is possible only with chronic form. Very effective trips to health resorts. To maintain muscle tone, it is recommended to do gymnastics daily.

Facilities traditional medicine in the fight against myositis

Pour a small amount of borage flowers or dried leaves into a glass boiled water. Leave in a container with a tightly closed lid for several hours, wrapping it well. Take the composition several times a day.
Pour a glass of boiling water over the Adonis flowers (dry) and keep in a warm place for 60 minutes. Take the solution several times a day. Particularly effective when convulsive attacks in the muscles.
Chop a little root of one-year-old young burdock well, pour boiling water over it, leave for 2 hours, strain. Take the resulting decoction up to three times a day strictly after meals for 2-3 weeks.

In acute or chronic inflammation muscles, you can use other recipes:

You will need several boiled potatoes in their jackets, which should be wrapped in clean, soft material and applied to the inflamed area. You can mash the potatoes a little. It should be warm, not hot. You can put a wool scarf on top of the compress. As the potato mass cools, the layers of fabric can be removed. After the potato mass becomes barely warm, remove the compress, rub the inflamed area with cologne and wrap it again in a warm scarf. It is better to carry out the procedure before bedtime. Aching and painful sensations, as a rule, go away almost immediately, but for the result to last for for a long time, it is better to do several sessions of heating with potatoes.
If a cold or traumatic myositis occurs, bodyaga cream helps well. Need to melt a small part butter and mix with a small amount of pure bodyagi composition. The mixture is slowly rubbed into the affected area before going to bed, and it is bandaged with a piece of flannel fabric. It is very important to avoid skin irritation Use the procedure no more than once a week.

For muscle inflammation in any part of the body, massage is very effective. Doctors allow you to start the course at the beginning of the treatment process. The first few times you can visit a professional, then you can ask your family to gently stretch the muscles. Massage at home can be done only during the period of remission, when the inflammation is not severe and there is no pain. Movements should be gentle, stroking, rubbing.

To enhance healing effect you can use essential oils. Rosemary and marjoram oil will numb the pain a little and relieve swelling; the cedar composition will improve blood circulation, the tissues will be saturated with oxygen; lavender oil will relieve inflammation and relax well.

Sometimes professionals mix essential oil with vegetable for more better absorption body. This method may help dampen things down a bit. strong smell some medicinal plants.

Having consulted a doctor on time and undergoing complete treatment course, the patient can easily cope with the disease that has arisen.

The great commander Suvorov recommended his soldiers to keep their feet warm. His advice is worth listening to in our time. It is noteworthy that chilled limbs do not allow the whole body to warm up. Well, general hypothermia is fraught dangerous consequences, starting with a common cold and ending with chronic infections.

Causes of hypothermia of the feet

The main factor causing freezing feet is wearing inappropriate shoes. winter time of the year. Boots or shoes must be made of genuine leather or suede and have a fur lining or a membrane heat-saving system. In addition, they must be the right size, since in warm but tight boots the blood vessels are pinched, blood microcirculation is disrupted, and the feet get cold.

Other reasons include poorly developed muscles and poor circulation in the feet due to chronic diseases. There is practically no fat layer on the feet, which also contributes to their freezing. In addition, the legs cannot withstand the test of nylon tights in frosty weather.

Consequences

Cold feet not only cause severe discomfort. The feet contain a lot of biological active points, which are responsible for almost all body systems. Therefore, hypothermia can lead to the development of the following diseases:

Acute respiratory viral infections. There is a connection between hypothermia of the feet and respiratory diseases. People with weakened immune systems are at risk of catching a cold or suffering from a serious illness. viral infection. In this case, the first to appear is a runny nose. Regular hypothermia threatens sinusitis, bronchitis and constant sore throats.
Joint diseases. If you have already had diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then freezing of the feet can lead to an exacerbation chronic processes and worsening symptoms. In addition, this condition can provoke the development of rheumatism, osteochondrosis, arthritis or neuritis.
Diseases urinary system . Cold feet cause damage to the kidneys and bladder. It is during the frosty season that the incidence of pyelonephritis and cystitis peaks.

Prevention

Choose shoes one size larger than usual so you can wear warm socks. In addition, in this case there will be free space filled with air between the foot and the shoe. It is this air cushion that ensures complete heat retention. It is noticed that metal elements increase the risk of freezing, so it is better to avoid shoes with similar decor. Do not forget also that it is better to choose socks and tights from natural fabrics (cotton or wool).

For the winter, purchase warm insoles, just keep in mind that they need to be dried after wearing. At work, wear a change of shoes, and if the room is hot, your feet will not sweat before going outside. In addition, you can carry a spare pair of cotton or wool socks with you. We do not recommend taking a smoke break on the street; this disrupts blood microcirculation throughout the body, including the feet, which will instantly chill.

What to do if your feet are cold

When your feet are cold and have lost sensitivity, you need to quickly go to any warm room- shop, entrance. To warm up, you can jump, stomp on the spot, or swing your legs with a large amplitude (30-40 times). These simple exercises will help improve blood circulation.

When you get home, take off your shoes and cold socks. Rub your feet with your hands and perform intense massage movements which will help disperse the blood. Afterwards, you can take a foot bath or take a shower if you feel general hypothermia. In the first case, do not dial immediately hot water, the temperature should be increased gradually, starting from 28-30 °C. Next, you need to thoroughly dry your feet with a towel and put on warm socks.

To prevent development colds, you should drink any warming drink (tea, milk, cocoa). We do not recommend warming up with coffee or alcohol, because this has a bad effect on the condition of blood vessels. Add ginger, honey or cinnamon to your tea; these products have a warming effect and improve immunity.

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DHEA supplements are used by people who believe they can improve sexual desire, build muscle, fight the effects of aging and improve your health. But there isn't much evidence for many of these claims. And supplements have some risks.

Here summary what science really knows about DHEA supplements and what you need to know about their safety.

What is DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the body's adrenal glands, glands above the kidneys, also known as the "elixir of youth." DHEA level naturally falls after 30 years. Some people take supplements of this hormone in the hope that it will help improve their health and prevent certain diseases. However, the data is mixed.

Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements can be made from wild yam or soybeans.

Scientists don't know everything that DHEA does. But they do know that it functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including and. These are substances that are converted by the body into hormones.

DHEA production peaks in the 20s (mid 20s). For most people, production gradually decreases as they age.

Testosterone and estrogen production also generally declines with age. DHEA supplements may increase levels of these hormones. This is why a number of statements have been made regarding them potential benefits for good health.

These claims range from benefits such as:

For the production of hormones and normal operation adrenal glands
Strengthening immune system
Slowdown natural changes in the body that occurs with age
Providing more energy
Improved mood and memory
Building up bone tissue and muscle strength

Why accept

A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. This hormone can also improve skin conditions in older people and helps treat osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy. erectile dysfunction and some psychological states. But research results are ambiguous and often contradictory.

Low levels of DHEA are associated with aging and a number of diseases such as anorexia, type 2 diabetes and HIV. In older men low level this hormone is also associated with more high probability of death. However, it is still unclear whether the use of dehydroepiandrosterone supplements helps in reducing the risk of any diseases.

DHEA is used by some people who want to "reverse" aging and boost immunity, cognitive function and muscle strength. On this moment research does not support these uses. The supplement has been studied for the treatment of other conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases and menopause to Alzheimer's disease. The results were unclear.

How much does it cost to take

There is no standard dose of dehydroepiandrosterone. Some studies have used capsules whose dosage was between 25 and 200 milligrams per day or sometimes even higher, but this depends on medical conditions that are being treated by the patient. You should consult your doctor for advice on this matter. .

Can You Get DHEA from Food?

There are no food sources of this hormone. Wild yams contain a substance similar to DHEA, which is used to produce the hormone in laboratories. The body produces DHEA naturally in the adrenal glands.

DHEA Supplements for Anti-Aging

Because levels of this hormone decline with age, some researchers suggest that replenishing your body's falling levels of the hormone may help fight aging. And some small studies have reported positive effects anti-aging benefits from using DHEA supplements. But a similar number of studies found no effect.

According to the National Institute on Aging and National Center additional and alternative medicine, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the idea that DHEA may affect how quickly you age.

Both agencies report little is known about the impact long-term use DHEA. And there are some concerns that continued use of its supplements could be harmful.

DHEA Supplements for Health

DHEA supplements show some potential for alleviating mild to moderate depression. But more research is needed.

In a small six-week study, scientists from the National Institute mental health found that treatment with DHEA supplements helped relieve mild to moderate depression that occurs in some middle-aged people. DHEA may also be effective in improving aging skin in older adults.

For other conditions, both the National Standard and the National Institutes of Health say the evidence is unclear and unclear whether DHEA has significant benefit in treating conditions such as:

Alzheimer's disease
Low bone density
Heart disease
Cervical cancer
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Crohn's disease
infertility
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sexual dysfunction

Supplement Safety

Possible side effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplements may include:

Side effects in women:

Minor side effects of using DHEA include acne, decreased blood pressure and breast changes
Reducing breast size
Deep voice
Increase in the size of the genital organs
Irregular periods
Abnormal menstruation
Oily skin
Increased hair growth
Low blood pressure

Side effects in men:

Aggression
Reduction in testicular size
Urinary urgency
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Low blood pressure

Other potential side effects:

Acute respiratory failure
Anxiety
Blood in urine
Chest pain
Abnormal heart rhythm
Feeling of goosebumps, crawling on the scalp
Dizziness
Emotional changes
Fatigue
Headache
Increased risk of cataracts
Insomnia
Night sweats
Mania
Restlessness
Weight gain

A new version of DHEA, known as 7-keto-DHEA, is natural by-product this hormone. Because 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones by the body, the risk of certain hormonal side effects decreases.

Although 7-keto-DHEA supplementation has been shown to promote weight loss, muscle building, and immune system stimulation, there hasn't been enough research to support any of these claims.

Some of these side effects may be the result of DHEA increasing testosterone and estrogen levels in the human body. Medical experts warn that little is known about the long-term effects elevated levels hormones.

DHEA supplements should not be taken for long periods of time without consulting a healthcare professional.

DHEA and weight loss

The supplement's version of DHEA, known as 7-keto, is widely promoted as helping to reduce body fat and increase supplement metabolism. The idea is that body tissues and a higher metabolism burn calories more efficiently, making it easier not only to lose weight, but also to maintain the results.

Unfortunately, most of the studies that have been done have shown little effect of DHEA on losing weight or increasing metabolism. This good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before investing money in a supplement like DHEA for weight loss.

DHEA and Athletic Performance

DHEA supplements are sometimes used by athletes due to the claim that the supplement can improve muscle strength and enhance athletic performance. This is because DHEA is a "prohormone" - a substance that can increase levels steroid hormones, such as testosterone.

There is little evidence that DHEA has any effect on increasing muscle strength. Its use is prohibited by sports organizations such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

There are risks associated with the use of any presteroid enhancer. And the higher the dose, the higher the risk. Possible side effects include:

Persistent slowdown in growth
Aggressive behavior known as "rage"
Mood swings and other psychological symptoms
High blood pressure
Liver problems

Because DHEA can increase testosterone and estrogen levels, women who use DHEA may sometimes experience side effects such as:

Voice change
Hair loss
Facial hair growth

Sometimes men may experience symptoms such as:

Breast augmentation
Tight testicles
Reduced sperm production

Talk to your doctor

If you are thinking about using DHEA supplements, there are several reasons why you should discuss it with your doctor first:

Many of the claims regarding DHEA involve (and can result in) serious medical conditions. These conditions need to be assessed and treated by a healthcare professional.
The hormone may interact with some medications and thus change their effectiveness.
Since DHEA's benefits include enhancing male and female female hormones, supplements may adversely affect hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast, ovarian or prostate cancer.
Using special supplements of this hormone carries some risk and can cause a number of side effects, although this usually only occurs at the end, on the higher dose range.

Drug interactions with dehydroepiandrosterone

Most medications can interact with others. Because of the complex and multifaceted role of DHEA, there is whole line potential interactions that may occur when they are taken together with other forms of medicine.

Individuals taking any of the drugs on the following list should exercise additional caution and discuss this issue with their primary care physician:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Metformin
Thiazolidinediones
Anastrozole - this drug is taken to reduce estrogen; DHEA may have the opposite effect, so it may counteract anastrozole
Antidepressants
Venlafaxine
Mirtazapine (Mirtazapine)
Bupropion (Bupropion)
Antiestrogens
Neuroleptics
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
Benfluorex
Birth control pills
Calcium channel blockers
Canrenoate
Cardiac glycosides
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding agents
Gefitinib (Gefitinib)
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Licorice – DHEA levels are increased by licorice and therefore taking additional DHEA may increase side effects
Metyrapone
Propranolol

This list is not exhaustive. Talk to your primary care doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about the possibility of an interaction medicines with DHEA.

Contraindications

You should take extra care when using DHEA if any of the following apply to you:

More high risk cancer development prostate gland, liver, breast or ovaries
Higher risk of urinary tract infections
Disorders thyroid gland or reception hormone therapy for the thyroid gland
Diabetes
Heart disease or increased risk heart diseases
Have had a stroke or were at risk of having a stroke
Low lipoprotein levels high density(HDL - “good” cholesterol)
High triglyceride levels
Bleeding – DHEA may increase the risk of bleeding
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Sweating disorders—supplements of this hormone may cause increased odor when sweating
Anxiety or depression
Joint pain, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) or sleep disorders
Immune disorders or use of immunosuppressants
Mania-related mental disorders
It is also recommended to avoid DHEA supplements if the potential patient is pregnant or breastfeeding

DHEA is a complex chemical with many roles. With further research, scientists will undoubtedly unlock the secrets of this hormone and may be able to use it to treat a variety of diseases.