Question: Hello, I suffered a stroke 30 years ago both my adrenal glands were removed and I now rely on 20 mg Hydrocortisone and 0.1 mg fludrocortisone a day Can I add DHEA and Pregnenolone 25/100 mg to improve my hormone levels i.e. Reduce my psa levels

Answer: Hi. I have received and read your question. Based on the information you have provided and considering the medications you are taking, I would not recommend taking DHEA or Pregnenolene. Both have questionable results with insufficient evidence of effectiveness. In addition, they are banned in some countries for certain activities. I hope this answers your question.  Below is some background additional info for you.

Serum levels of the adrenal androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated conjugation product DHEAS, peak in men and women in the 3rd decade and decrease progressively with age. Increasing numbers of middle-aged and older individuals consume over-the-counter preparations of DHEA in the hope that it will retard aging by increasing muscle and bone mass and strength, decreasing fat, and improving immunologic and neurobehavioral functions. To date, however, the benefits and risks of DHEA administration for “anti-aging” purposes have not been defined. Because DHEA can serve as a precursor to testosterone (T) and estrogen, supplemental DHEA use may pose a cancer risk in patients with nascent or occult cancer of the prostate and/or breast.

Regards,

Dr. Deepak Patel