7-Keto-Dhea

1. 7-Keto-Dhea 7-keto-DHEA (commonly called "7-keto") is one form of 7-oxo-DHEA, and a by- product of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. It is produced by the adrenal glands as well as the ovaries and testes, and is a precursor to the production of both estrogens and testosterone. Interestingly, 7-keto-DHEA is one form of this hormone that is not converted to testosterone or estrogen in the body. Instead, it can be taken to speed metabolism and promote weight loss without directly altering hormone levels. 7-keto can also boost the thyroid gland, and is supposed to slow aging, boost memory and help build muscle.. Weight Loss 7-keto has been shown to increase the resting metabolic rate by 4% of both men and women during a 7-day treatment protocol. Some research has found that this may be due to an association of 7-keto with thyroid hormone in the body. This association has been shown to temporarily increase thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone production. Other studies have revealed that 7-keto also causes the mitochondria (cell power plant) to be more easily stimulated, thus boosting their activity. This burns more calories and creates more heat in the body in a process called "thermogenesis". Thus supplementation with 7-keto can help to boost the thyroid and increase metabolism, both of which will aid weight loss.

2. 2 7-hydroxylated-DHEA and PMS Supplementation with 7-keto has been shown in laboratory studies to increase blood levels of one of the breakdown products of DHEA called 7-hydroxy-DHEA. This particular byproduct has been shown to decrease during the second half of the menstrual cycle. The decrease of 7-hydroxy-DHEA is thought to be associated with the mood changes involved in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Thus, since 7-keto helps to prevent this dip in 7-hydroxy-DHEA levels, supplementation with 7-keto may help to reduce the mood symptoms of PMS. 7-keto has also been shown to reduce the levels of all sex hormones in the body, thus it may be beneficial in cases of excess hormone secretion, such as estrogen-dominant conditions like fibroids and fibrocystic breasts.. Cholesterol Benefits In one study involving 10 elderly men, supplementation with 7-keto was found to reduce steroid hormone levels, and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. Their risk for atherosclerosis fell after short-term treatment. The long-term effects have not yet been studied. Raynaud's Disease Raynaud's disease is a condition in which the body excessively constricts blood vessels in the extremities on exposure to cold. This results in extreme pain, and pale blotchy skin on the fingers and toes. 7-keto has been shown to help prevent Raynaud's attacks by increasing the basal metabolic rate and inhibiting vasospasm. It also promotes heat generation by the mitochondria of the cells, helping to maintain a higher body temperature during cold exposure. How can I take 7-keto-DHEA? 7-keto can be found in powdered form in caplets or combination formulas for weight loss. It has been tested as safe at 200mg daily for up to 4 weeks without any known side effects. The long-term effects of supplementation is not known.